For Men Only

by Betty Mitchell RN BSN
Parish Nurse, Emmanuel Bethel Church, Royal Oak, Michigan

By making their health a priority, men not only live healthier and more productive lives, they also set an example for the members of their family. Men need to be aware of preventable health problems, live healthy and seek early detection and treatment of disease.

Eating healthy, being physically active and getting regular checkups for any health problem before it becomes serious are just a few healthy lifestyle changes men can make in their lives. Other helpful suggestions include receiving appropriate vaccines, stopping smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, getting adequate sleep and managing the stresses of life.

Lack of sleep can increase the incidence of motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents and injury. Adults generally need from 7–9 hours of sleep per night.

When you stop smoking, you improve your health by decreasing your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease and other smoking-related illnesses. If there are growing babies and children in your home, the decrease in secondhand smoke and their associated poisons will improve the health of your family.

Increasing your exercise to 2-1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week along with muscle strengthening activities two or more days a week is important for overall well-being and health. You can spread the activity into smaller chunks of time, if needed. Strive to become more active.

Choosing healthy snacks and eating more fruits and vegetables each day will not only be good for you, but you will be an excellent example for others around you.

Some stress can be good. However, if you are overwhelmed, avoid alcohol or drugs to calm yourself. Taking a walk or talking to someone are healthier ways to control stress.

Do not wait to seek medical attention when you are experiencing unusual symptoms of any kind. Early treatment can avoid complications.

In addition to knowing what your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers are, be sure to know what vaccines you need to protect yourself from serious diseases.

Men, are the women in your life taking care of themselves or do they need gentle reminders of a healthy lifestyle?

Source: www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw

(Editor’s note: Men, this may sound much like your mother or your wife. However, since Betty is not YOUR mother or wife, but a health care professional, it’s okay to listen to her and take her advice!)