June is National Men’s Health Month. Whether you yourself are male, or a female with men you care about, it is important to create awareness around prioritizing healthly lifestyles.
Here are a few steps men can take each day to improve wellness.
Get Rid of Tobacco
Quitting smoking, or any form of tobacco, has immediate and long-term health benefits. It lowers one’s risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and many other illnesses. It is also important to avoid secondhand smoke. Inhaling other people’s smoke causes health problems similar to those of smokers.
Get a Good Amount of Sleep
Adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep is associated with several chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and obesity.
Eat Nutritional Foods
Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day. Fruits and vegetables have many vitamins and minerals that may help protect you from developing illness. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
Get Active
Adults should have at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, as well as muscle strengthening activities on two or more days each week. It does not have to be done all at once, it can easily be spread throughout the day, and week.
Maintain Stress Levels
Everyone is going to have stress in their lives, but it is important not to let it get out of control. Avoid drugs and alcohol, find support systems, connect socially, and stay active.
Be Aware of Signs and Symptoms
Be on the lookout for signs and symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, and problems with urination. If you have symptoms of any kind, be sure to contact your doctor or nurse. It is also important to keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI).