The entire month of June is Men's Health Awareness Month and the team here at Rachael-Fitness plans to stress the importance of men and the men we love advocating for better health. It's too easy to put your health on the back-burner when you have a million other things on your mind but we should be making our health a priority, and men especially.
Men still suffer from societal stigma that their emotional, physical, and mental struggles should be suffered in silence. That is the exact type of thinking that we are here to challenge.
Below are 7 things you or the men you care about should do this month to better take care of themselves.
Schedule a Screening
If you do nothing else this month, please at least schedule a health screening with your physician. All too often we hear stories of loved ones being diagnosed too late for things that could have been easily spotted and taken care of if they would've gotten checked sooner. It doesn't matter how young you are, how fit you are, or even if you 'feel fine'. It never hurts to get checked and make sure your body is functioning proper so you can be the best you.
Balance Your Diet
Don't panic, I'm not asking you to go on a diet, but rather to be a bit more conscious about the foods you are putting in your body. If you know you are having a heavy dinner, try a salad or health wrap for lunch. Substitute nightly chips for a lighter option like nuts. Just take the extra time to make sure you are balancing your diet as much as possible.
Take Your Vitamins
There are many different Men's Vitamins on the market and it can be difficult to know which is the 'best'. First, talk to your physician when you schedule that screening we talked about earlier. Based on your screening they will suggest the best option based on your results. If you go out looking for yourself remember to check for some of these key ingredients: Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, & K, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, & Selenium.
Exercise Regularly
Even if you can only get in a quick 30 minute workout or simple walk, it can mean all the difference. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the US and simply getting active can help prevent heart disease and improve your overall health and wellbeing. It's also something that can be done with the kids, too! Take them for a walk or teach them a new sport while staying active. You can also join a pickup game at a local Rec center to keep things fun and fresh. Check out our Online Programs if you don't know where to start!
Get Some Sleep
Studies show grown adult males need seven full hours of sleep to fully rejuvenate the mind and body. Stress and distractions are often the leading causes of us not getting enough sleep. The best way to ensure a deep, restful sleep is to get in bed, turn all screens off, and relax your body as your drift to sleep. Getting a good nights rest can help to alleviate stress and help our body and mind heal.
Examine Your Mental Health
If you have a family history of mental health issues, or even if you don't, you may want to seek help from a professional therapist. It is no longer taboo in our society to speak to a therapist, and is even considered a sign of good mental health to have one. We all have issues and talking through them can help make them more bearable, or can even make them go away.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Call your mom, text your buddy, kiss your spouse, play with your kids. All of these things will give you that much needed douse of serotonin, aka happiness. It is never seen as a weakness to ask for help or just request a little time and attention for yourself. You matter and I can guarantee your loved ones will feel the same.
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