Tips for a Healthy Life for Men
Click on the links below to learn more about how you can start living healthier today!
Eat
Healthy
"An apple a day
keeps the doctor away." There's more truth to this saying than we once
thought. What you eat and drink and what you don't eat and drink can
definitely make a difference to your health. Eating five or more servings of fruits and
vegetables a day and less saturated fat can help improve your health and may
reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Have a balanced diet,
and watch how much you eat.
Keep a Healthy Weight
Obesity is at an
all time high in the United States, and the epidemic may be getting worse. Those
who are overweight or obese have increased risks for diseases and conditions
such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Eat better,
get regular exercise, and see your health care provider about any health
concerns to make sure you are on the right track to staying healthy.
Get
Moving
More than 50 percent of American men and women do not get enough physical
activity to provide health benefits. For adults, thirty minutes of moderate
physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week is recommended. It doesn't take a
lot of time or money, but it does take commitment. Start slowly, work up to a
satisfactory level, and don't overdo it. You can develop one routine, or you
can do something different every day. Find fun ways to stay in shape and feel
good, such as dancing, gardening, cutting the grass, swimming, walking, or
jogging.
Be
Smoke-Free
Health concerns associated with smoking include cancer and lung disease.
Smoking triples the risk of dying from heart disease among those who are
middle-aged. Second-hand smoke - smoke that you inhale when others smoke -
also affects your health. If you smoke, quit today! Helplines, counseling,
medications, and other forms of support are available to help you quit.
Get
Routine Exams and Screenings
Sometimes they're once a year. Other times they're more or less often. Based
on your age, health history, lifestyle, and other important issues, you and
your health care provider can determine how often you need to be examined and
screened for certain diseases and conditions. These include high blood
pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, and
cancers of the skin, prostate, and colon. When problems are found early, your
chances for treatment and cure are better. Routine exams and screenings can
help save lives.
Get
Appropriate Vaccinations
They're not just for kids. Adults need them too. Some vaccinations are for
everyone. Others are recommended if you work in certain jobs, have certain
lifestyles, travel to certain places, or have certain health conditions. Protect
yourself from illness and disease by keeping up with your vaccinations.
Manage
Stress
Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of
workers and, in turn, to the health of organizations. Balancing obligations
to your employer and your family can be challenging. What's your stress level
today? Protect your mental and physical health by engaging in activities that
help you manage your stress at work and at home.
Know
Yourself and Your Risks
Your
parents and ancestors help determine some of who you are. Your habits, work
and home environments, and lifestyle also help to define your health and your
risks. You may be at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions
because of what you do, where you work, and how you play. Being healthy means
doing some homework, knowing yourself, and knowing what's best for you...
because you are one of a kind.
Be
Safe- Protect Yourself
What
comes to mind when you think about safety and protecting yourself? Is it
fastening seat belts, applying sunscreen, wearing helmets, or having smoke
detectors? It's all of these and more. It's everything from washing your
hands to watching your relationships. Did you know that men at work die most
frequently from motor vehicle incidents, machine-related injuries, homicides,
and falls? Take steps to protect yourself and others wherever you are.
Be
Good to Yourself
Health is not merely the absence of disease; it's a lifestyle. Whether it's
getting enough sleep, relaxing after a stressful day, or enjoying a hobby,
it's important to take time to be good to yourself. Take steps to balance
work, home, and play. Pay attention to your health, and make healthy living a
part of your life.
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Page last modified: May 28, 2008
Page last reviewed: April 30, 2007