To raise awareness for Men’s Health Week, we’re connecting men with all the advice they need to prevent illness and lead a happy, healthy lifestyle. Here are 6 genius health tips, guaranteed to get you at the top of your game.
Did you know that men live, on average, four years less than women? Statistics have shown that four men die each hour from potentially preventable conditions, and experience poor health in the last 11 years of their life. Whilst biological factors have some impact on men’s health, a lot of illness can be attributed to certain lifestyle choices and behaviours. So essentially, if you start making smart choices now, you’ll set yourself up for good health in the future.
That’s exactly what Men’s Health Week is all about. Celebrated annually all over the world, Men’s Health Week kicks off on 14th June and runs until 20th June, offering a platform to raise awareness and highlight the importance of men’s health.
What is Men’s Health Week?
This year’s Men’s Health Week focuses on what it means to have a team and support network around you. Men’s Health Week facilitators from Western Sydney University have chosen “Connecting for Men’s Health” to spark discussion and develop ideas and events that “connect and work together across genders, cultures and communities.”
Good health is about being the best you can be in your situation, and having good people around you who care about you and your health. It’s important to prioritise your physical, emotional, and social health by staying connected and seeking support early if you think that something is wrong, from a team of people who care about you and your wellbeing.
The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. The focus of this week is to give health care providers, policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. It’s part of National Men’s Health Month — a month-long recognition of men’s health, with activities and events to remind men to take care of their bodies.
But men’s health isn’t just about illness, it’s also about wellness and general wellbeing. Mental health matters are just as concerning as physical illness. In fact, research shows that mental illness can often manifest as physical symptoms. Depression, for example, can show up as headaches, anxiety as gastrointestinal issues, or post-traumatic stress disorder as back pain.
Men’s Health Week, therefore, focuses on what can enrich the context of men’s lives, which extends to their physical, emotional, social, psychological, spiritual, and cultural environments, and places an emphasis on prevention rather than cure.
As this week is Men’s Health Week, we wanted to show our support and raise awareness for all things men’s health. We’ve put into practice 6 practical health tips men can utilise to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
6 Men’s Health Tips to Keep Your Health in Check
Book an appointment with your GP
Book in for a quick check up — and make this a habit! Choose one you're comfortable with, so you can openly discuss all aspects of your health, from your mental state to your sexual function to your overall well being. Just because you’re feeling well doesn’t necessarily mean that you are well.
A quick health check up will give you peace of mind, or help spot any early warning signs of something more sinister. Don’t ignore things like black stools, vision loss, or chest pain. Unfortunately, men have a tendency to do just that.
Be proactive if you’re not feeling well or have a problem that won’t go away; are you feeling fatigued? Is your libido going down? Worried about your lack of concentration? Make some time for yourself and share your concerns with your doctor so you can be at the top of your game.
Get active!
Heart disease is the #1 leading killer of men in Australia. Exercising weekly and boosting your mental health will keep your heart (and mind) happy and stronger. Men who climb 50 stairs or walk five blocks a day may lower their risk of heart attack by 25%. Keep close track of your Body Mass Index, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.
Eat healthy
Males account for most of the disease linked to diets low in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds and high in processed meat. That’s why it’s important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to reduce your risk of potential illness. There are also a wide range of vitamins and supplements available to improve your daily nutrient intake. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to our pharmacist to discuss the best option for you.
Stop smoking
Would it be easier to quit smoking knowing how your body responds to it? 12 hours after you quit smoking, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. After 2-12 weeks circulation improves, and your lung function increases. After 1 year the risk of coronary disease is half that of a smoker’s. After 5 years stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker. Need we say more?
Mind your mental health
Maintain strong social connections with your peers, family, partner, and co-workers. This could also be done through social exercise or playing on a sports team with your mates. Allow some time in your schedule to pursue a hobby, enjoy solo time, or spend time outdoors. Inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from depression than those who are physical and socially active. If you feel that you’re struggling and your mental health is taking a toll, reach out to a friend, GP, or counsellor to get professional advice.
Get enough sleep
Nothing beats a good night's sleep. Men who sleep 7-8 hours a night have around a 60% less risk of suffering a heart attack than those who sleep 5 hours less. If you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, there are plenty of options to choose from. Feel free to discuss it with your GP or our pharmacist.
Only 30% of a man’s overall health is determined by his genetics, 70% is controllable through lifestyle. Start small with easy lifestyle changes, enjoy the process, ask questions, talk to your GP and pharmacist, and spread the word, tell your mates about it and help each other to be the healthiest version of yourselves.
Loved our men's health advice? We've got plenty more health advice on our Health & Wellness Edit, guaranteed to give your body a well-deserved boost. Ever considered taking someone else's antibiotics? Here's why you shouldn't. Suffer with breakouts? Your first foray into men’s skincare? Follow this simple 4-step skincare routine.
