Top 6 Male Health Advice
It gets difficult to keep up with some of our routines when there is so much going on around us. Even though I’m a doctor, I recently fell behind in my workouts, diet, and physical examinations. Although maintaining good health is crucial, many men put it off until a more serious problem arises. Healthy living should not be approached in this way. Men typically live five years less than women, which may come as a surprise to some. Men are also 100% less likely than women to visit a doctor when they are ill.
It’s time to give our health first priority. Follow these six pieces of advice to fine-tune your health if you’re ready to make long-lasting adjustments that can help you get healthy and stay well.
Put Your Health First
Think about all the awesome things you want to do this year while closing your eyes. Where on the list was health?
Your health should be your top priority, but we frequently neglect it due to our hectic schedules with work and family. We believe that we are immune to illness or that our medical system is so advanced that any health problem can be treated with medication or surgery. We also fail to recognize the value of mental health in addition to physical health.
Putting your health first is not self-serving; it is unselfish. Why? Because you’ll be happier and more involved with your family, friends, and job if you’re healthier. Numerous studies demonstrate that an individual can accomplish more when they are both physically and psychologically healthy. Prioritize what is most important and get ready for a mindset shift before you do anything else.
Consult a Physician
Everyone has to visit the doctor frequently. Men often enter my office with various justifications for delaying visits to the doctor. Common ones are “I have no time” and “It takes too long to get in.” These, however, are no longer reliable. You can receive medical advice through telehealth without ever entering a clinic. They can even request lab work and issue some prescriptions. There are also numerous choices for in-person meetings. Even same-day appointments to see your healthcare provider are becoming more common in offices and clinics.
When it comes to your body, you always need a friend you can contact, and in this situation, that friend should be a healthcare professional. This is similar to how you always have a friend to call when you’re in need. When you should visit a doctor for particular health conditions depends on your age. Make an appointment with your doctor on a regular basis rather than merely looking for answers online. They will set you up for success in completing your regular screenings.
Avoid Unhealthy Behaviors
Health issues might result from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, risky sexual behavior, and poor communication. Smoking is harmful to your health whether you are smoking a cigarette or vaping. Future side effects from smoking can include erectile dysfunction in addition to cancer.
Heavy drinking can raise estrogen levels while lowering testosterone levels. Alcohol is a depressive as well, which makes it more difficult to induce orgasms by lowering mood and sexual arousal.
Men frequently have trouble communicating when they are having issues. This is why it’s crucial to start speaking more clearly with essential people, such as your partner, closest friend, or doctor.
Take Action
One of the many health organizations that suggests getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week is the American Heart Association. Most people think that getting a smartwatch and logging their 10,000 steps per day is sufficient. Even if it’s beneficial, you still need to do something that makes your heart race. Get at least 75 minutes of severe activity (intense cardio or muscle-strengthening activities) or 150 minutes of moderate exercise (power walking, running, or swimming) per week, whether it’s during the day or on the weekends. Your muscles and other body parts will become stronger the more your heart is working.
Eat a Balanced, Healthful Diet
Most dieters begin by concentrating on calorie restriction. They are frequently not eating enough. Your body enters a state of famine or conservation when you restrict your nutrient intake. Whatever you put in it is taken and saved for later.
You will be stronger and healthier if you consume more of the proper calories. Your body won’t feel starved, to boot. I advise consulting a nutritionist if you don’t know where to start, if only to get some advice on what modifications to make given the wide variety of diets.
Just keep in mind that smart eating, not starvation, is what dieting is all about.
Ensure Adequate Sleep
To unwind and regenerate, you should receive at least seven hours of sleep each night. This should not be done when you are watching TV on the couch. Eyes closed, relaxed in bed, and naturally going through your sleep cycles are the only ways to refresh. Avoiding exposure to TV, phone, and computer screens an hour before bed is an excellent approach to improve your sleep. Your body needs sleep to be able to respond to stress and change.
Patients frequently visit my office complaining of exhaustion or libido problems. They believe it to be a thyroid or low testosterone issue, although sleep deprivation is frequently to blame. Either they are overworked, stressed out, or they are consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, which stimulates the brain. Getting enough sleep can aid in the healing process since, in certain situations, lack of sleep may be the primary cause of or a contributing component in a health problem.
Conclusion
Every man should put their health first, but occasionally we don’t treat it that way. We need to take control of our health as dads, husbands, brothers, uncles, cousins, and friends because, if not for ourselves, then for those we care about. There is simply no justification for placing your health at the very bottom of your list of priorities. Reboard the train with me now. Destination? improved health