6 Ways to Help Men Live a Healthier Lifestyle
When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, men are quick to head to the gym and up their intake of protein. But there is so much more to living a healthier lifestyle than exercise and food. According to the WHO, women live on average six to eight years longer than men due to both genetic and behavioral reasons. Here we discuss six ways men can look out for their mental and physical health:
Drink in moderation
The good news is that there is plenty of research out there that shows drinking moderate amounts of alcohol like wine can protect against heart disease and lower the risk of death. But the key word is moderation. One glass a day is moderate, but collecting five days of moderate drinking and consuming all of those at the weekend? Not so much.
Consult a personal trainer
While a lot of men know their way around the gym, it’s important to check in with a personal trainer from time to time. There might be small mistakes with how you’re using machinery that you haven’t noticed – all of which can change the effectiveness and safety of your workout. Before using a new machine, or going up a weight, speak to staff to make sure everything is okay.
Don’t ignore symptoms
If you’ve noticed you’re feeling fatigued, or have other symptoms that are causing you bother, don’t suffer in silence. Consult your GP and make sure to go for regular health checks. It’s easy to see illness as a sign of weakness, but regularly checking in with your health, and getting any issues seen to quickly, can reduce injury or ailments in the long run.
Protect your prostate
On similar lines, check your prostate. Those aged 40 and above can experience a growth spurt in the prostate glands, which can result in nighttime urination. But as well as bed-wetting, there is another serious reason to check down there: cancer. It’s estimated that 80% of cancers can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also incredibly important to regularly check for changes in the prostate. To protect yourself, rich antioxidant foods like green tea and tomatoes are known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. If you’re at all worried about a change or identify a lump – no matter how small and insignificant you think it is – consult your doctor.
Take your vitamins
There are plenty of specific vitamins for men on the market, and the sooner you can add these supplements into your diet, the better. Vitamins are perfect for maintaining your body’s physical and mental health, and although you might be eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, supplements are the easiest way to make sure you’re getting everything your body needs.
Stay in touch
Unlike women, who are great at building a support system around themselves, men often try to go it alone. Staying in touch with friends and maintaining close relationships will help you keep your mind healthy, and help your friends to do the same.
