What’s up with men and check-ups?
Ladies, are you puzzled why the men in your family refuse, absolutely refuse, to go to the doctor? As self-designated CEO’s of busy households we often spend an inordinate of time trying to get the men in our lives to go for a check-up. Even when they feel lousy, they’ll come up with a famous excuse “There’s probably nothing wrong” and they’re probably right, but preventative healthcare is called that for a reason. Early detection is key.
As you know some of the serious diseases don’t have symptoms. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are truly symptomless, yet are the leading causes of heart attack and strokes. Ditto diabetes. Did you know that more men are dying from Covid-19 worldwide than women? Turns out the potential reason is that men are more likely to have undetected pre-existing conditions.
June is Men’s Health Month and across the globe men and boys are encouraged to be proactive about their health. We get it guys, you’re busy and feel pretty good each day, so why bother going to the doctor?
It’s important to take preventative measures to protect yourself from illness and disease through regular screenings and check-ups, exercise, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. And, truth is, women frequently have the role of the family’s gatekeeper for health.
So ladies, here’s how to lead the way to healthier living:
- Make the appointment. Men need regular check-ups just like women to detect and prevent health problems. Book a lunch date as a post check-up reward.
- Plan to exercise together. Many health conditions, such as colon cancer, can be prevented by regular exercise. Go for a walk, or play a game of tennis over the weekend. Also, guys are very much into their gadgets apps and tech. There are a number of men’s health apps available today to help the man in your life to live healthier.
- Tweak your diet. Whether the goal is to lose weight or to gain muscle; a healthy diet is the way to go. Incorporate more fruit and veg, lean proteins like fish or chicken, high-fibre foods like beans and legumes, oats and avocado, and wholegrains like brown rice and pasta, whole wheat bread and quinoa.
- Encourage him to stop smoking. Smoking is linked to heart disease, lung disease, cancer and strokes.
- Find ways to eliminate stress. Balance work with downtime or a fun hobby.
Talk to your partner about health related articles you come across; ask him to make sure that he’s around for a long time. Also, appeal to his manhood. According to John Oliffe, assistant professor at the University of British Colombia in Vancouver, guys equate health with physical and sexual performance.
Men’s health has nothing to do with abs, kettle bells or protein shakes. It’s about finally getting that prostate exam or talking to someone about your mental health (If The Rock can do it, so can you.)
A truly strong, healthy man embraces health care, health consultation, and daily healthy habits to truly protect his body.
Physicians recommend routine yearly doctor’s visits for men of all ages.
Source: nationaltoday.com, heart.org, newsworks.org, canadianliving.com. hitchedmag.com, oprah.com, today.com, greatest.com, technotox.com, livescience.com, mh.com, nurseadvisormagazine.com, menshealth.com, mom.com, huffpost.com, stopcoloncancernow.com, gov.za, lifeinsurance.standardbank.co.za, healthline.com
