6 Practices for Men's Health Awareness Month
June is recognized as Men's Health Awareness Month, and is meant to shine a spotlight on the health challenges faced by men while promoting the importance of preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices. It’s a time to de-stigmatize things such as men’s mental health discussions or questions about physical health and encourage them to take proactive steps towards better well-being.
Today, we’re looking at 6 practices for Men’s Health Awareness Month that you can integrate into your regular routine. Taking the time to learn about improving men’s health this month will set you up for creating healthy habits all year long.
What Is Men’s Health Awareness Month All About?
Started in 1992, Men’s Health Awareness Month is meant to increase awareness of preventable health problems among men and give them the knowledge of actionable steps to take for more holistic health practices.
One of the biggest goals of Men's Health Awareness Month is to address the statistics surrounding men's health and bridge the gap in healthcare utilization between men and women. Men may face certain health issues at higher rates, including younger development for cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, mental health challenges, and lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity and substance abuse.
By focusing on prevention, early detection, and development of healthy habits, Men's Health Awareness Month works to reduce the prevalence of these conditions and improve overall health outcomes as it pertains to men.
Men’s Health Awareness Month Practices
Make this year’s Men’s Health Awareness Month a time to do your own physical and emotional wellness self-check. Celebrate what you’re doing well and acknowledge areas where you can improve. Take time to learn things that may be new to you or ask questions about things you don’t understand. Your doctor will be able to give you professional medical advice to help you live a healthier lifestyle all around.
Some men’s health tips and practices you can try out this year to bolster your well-being include:
- Getting regular men's health checkups
- Adopting a healthy diet
- Managing stress levels
- Eliminating behaviors that increase health risks
- Discussing mental health concerns without any societal stigma
- Staying active to the best of your ability
Getting Regular Men’s Health Checkups
First up on our list of practices to start this year during Men’s Health Awareness Month is getting regular health checkups and screenings. Regular checkups are crucial for improving men’s health and maintaining it. Men should schedule routine appointments with their healthcare providers to monitor their overall well-being and detect any potential health issues early on. Early detection of any health conditions often means a better chance to treat it.
These checkups often include screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and various cancers, including prostate cancer. By prioritizing regular checkups, men can proactively manage their health and prevent serious complications. Making these checkups during Men’s Health Awareness Month is also an easy way to keep track of them every year to make sure you don’t forget them.
Adopting a Healthy Diet
Our list of men’s health tips continues with adopting a healthy diet. A healthy diet plays a vital role in men's well-being. Choosing a balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Men should focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimizing the consumption of processed foods, sugary beverages, and sodium can also contribute to improving men’s health in the long term.
Managing Stress Levels
Men’s Health Awareness Month is also a great time for learning effective methods for managing stress levels. This is crucial for men's overall well-being, and incorporating relaxation tips and techniques like calming breathing exercises and meditation can be immensely beneficial.
One innovative and effective way to combat stress is by relaxing in a zero gravity chair. Zero gravity chairs are designed to elevate the legs above the heart level while distributing body weight evenly along the body. This position, called zero gravity position, reduces excess pressure on the spine, alleviates muscle tension, provides pain relief, and promotes relaxation. Since physical pain can also contribute to elevated stress levels, the zero gravity chair works to manage stress on two levels simultaneously.
Integrating a zero gravity chair into a relaxing night time routine or other daily period, men can create a calm, comfortable space to unwind, practice deep breathing exercises, or engage in mindfulness activities like zero gravity meditation. They’re great tools to help you let go of stress and boost your mood for better mental health.
Eliminating Risky Health Behaviors
Certain behaviors can increase the risk of developing various health conditions. As part of a self-assessment for Men’s Health Awareness Month, check in with yourself to see if any habits you have are hindering your overall well-being.
For example, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are two common habits that pose significant health risks. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake are effective steps to improving men’s health now and reducing the chances of developing serious health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, and liver problems in the future.
Discussing Mental Health Concerns & Eliminating Social Stigma
Removing the stigma surrounding discussing mental health is a crucial aspect of Men's Health Awareness Month. Traditionally, men have faced societal pressures to appear strong, resilient, and unemotional, which can lead to reluctance in seeking help for mental health concerns. However, it is important to recognize that maintaining and improving mental health are essential components of your overall well-being.
Having open conversations helps remove the stigma associated with mental health, Men's Health Awareness Month encourages men to express their feelings, seek support, and access any mental health resources they may need. Addressing mental health concerns openly not only promotes early intervention and treatment of any negative conditions, but also cuts down on more serious mental health crises that could develop if left unchecked. By dismantling any stigma around men’s mental health, we can empower men to prioritize their mental well-being for healthier and happier lives.
Staying Active
Men's Health Awareness Month also puts a strong emphasis on the importance of staying active for good health. Regular physical activity offers a plethora of benefits, including better heart health, weight management, elevated mood, and increased energy levels. Home gym equipment can help maintain muscle tone and improve overall fitness levels without expensive memberships. And other activities like yoga improve mobility and flexibility.
Regardless of your lifestyle, there are ways to incorporate physical activity into healthy living routines.
Athletic men engaging in sports or high-intensity activities may benefit from setting personal goals and pushing physical limits. Maintaining a balanced training program while remembering to prioritize post-workout recovery helps build endurance, strength, and overall fitness.
Men who are active but who may not be involved in sports have a range of options to stay fit. Activities such as taking a walk, hiking, or going for a bike ride can be fun and beneficial for heart health.
If you’ve led a more sedentary lifestyle, Men’s Health Awareness Month is a great time to start on your journey. sedentary lifestyles, taking gradual steps towards incorporating physical activity is essential. Starting with simple activities like walking for 30 minutes a day or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a significant difference. Incorporating short exercise routines during breaks can help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Note: As always, consult your doctor before beginning any new health routines to ensure it’s safe for you to do so.
Men's Health Awareness Month is an opportunity for men to prioritize their health and well-being. By integrating these practices into your daily life, you could significantly reduce your risk of preventable health problems and enhance your long-term quality of life. Get active, discuss mental health, or choose a zero gravity chair to boost overall wellness and see the difference these adjustments make for you.
