Men's Health in the spotlight

6-28-22

Click the screen below to enjoy the Men's Health episode

June is Men's Health Month but caring for your health should be a year-round effort and for good reason. Men suffer from ailments and desease more than women. You've surely heard the term "Your health is your wealth". There's probably never been a more true statement because no matter how much financial wealth a person may have without good physical health to enjoy it all, that money matters less.

I'm blessed to be surrounded by men in my life, including my husband four sons, numerous nephews and men in my life that are important to me. I'm sure you have men that are important to you. Caring for those special men in your world, has to be a year round endeavor. There are things that you should do less of and other things you should do more often. Here are three simple things that you can do for yourself as a man or where the woman in your life can help you to have better health:

Let's start with what you should do less of.

1. Reduce your sugar, salt and alcohol intake. The effects of added sugar intake include higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, all linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. All of these require a heightened state of awareness as it relates to your consumption but with a little more discernment and perhaps reading a label or two you can reduce both sugar and salt. As far as the alcohol is concerned perhaps a cocktail a few times a week is better than a cocktail every day.

2. Increase your water consumption and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Water helps you keep a normal temperature, lubricate and cushion joints and protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues. Water helps you get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements. You've heard it before so be sure to add more consistent exercise more frequently, even brisk walks can help.

3. Get educated and do your research about things that you're interested in or that you have a concern about. Have the hard conversations with other family members to learn about your family lineage and potential propensity for certain types of ailments. This could give you an opportunity to take corrective measures and make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle that may help protect you in the long run. Your health is your wealth, treat it like your life depends on it, because it does.

By Woodie Lesesne