When it comes to taking care of themselves, men are not considered the best persons for the job. More often, they drink too much coffee and avoid taking mental breaks. They also forget their annual physical examination, which is not a good idea with the emergence of new variants of the virus.
Men are also less likely to visit a doctor than women. Due to this, it’s a challenge for men to take charge of their health. But they should do it to avoid bigger issues in the future. Here are some tips that men can consider if they want to take charge of their health.
Go on Regular Checkups
An excellent preventive health routine for men is going on regular visits with their doctors. They should understand the importance of physical exams at this time when the pandemic has yet to end. These physical exams can also uncover health issues that will become worse if they are left untreated.
Preventive cancer screenings also prevent the disease from getting worse. Men should also consult their doctor about the tests and screenings they should go through based on their health and family history.
But they should let their doctor check their blood pressure regularly and provide recommendations in case it goes beyond the level for their age. Monitoring blood pressure allows men to implement measures to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough rest is also important for men since not getting enough sleep can affect their health. Men should remember that chronic sleep deprivation can cause increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attack, and diabetes. If men do not get enough sleep, their immune system can suffer. They will also increase the risk of depression and obesity.
So, hitting the pillow is a good way for men to take care of themselves. To get a good night’s rest, they should avoid drinking coffee in the afternoon and stop using electronic devices before they sleep. They should also exercise to improve their quality of sleep and maintain a regular sleep routine.
Using a handheld body massager is also a good idea since the device can help men relax and relieve muscle pain. It also reduces stress, which helps them get a good night’s sleep. The compact design makes it easy for men to use the device whenever they feel listless at night.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet also allows men to stay healthy in the middle of a pandemic. Some of the food can even help protect against some health conditions. Men have different options on the types of food they can eat to keep themselves healthy.
A heart-healthy diet means lesser unhealthy fat that can turn into plaque that will clog the arteries. Men should also limit their sodium consumption to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. A Mediterranean diet is also a heart-healthy diet consisting of fish, beans, poultry, plant food, and olive oil.
Men should also remember that the food they need can affect their mood. When they eat food with added sugar, it can cause them to gain weight and have an unbalanced gut. They will also experience inflammation, which is associated with depression. So, an anti-inflammatory diet can help men maintain their mental health.
Do Regular Physical Activity
Regular exercise is among the best ways that a man can take care of himself. It can lower the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. An exercise routine can also help men control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also allows them to maintain their weight.
Adults should perform at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activities. They can also perform around 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous physical activities. Men can also combine moderate and vigorous physical activities. The important thing is that men should exercise every day to stay healthy and fit.
Seek Psychological Help When Necessary
While this is a challenging option for many men, they should seek psychological help whenever necessary. Men are not keen on seeking help for any mental issues they are dealing with, especially when it’s something related to depression and anxiety.
But men should change this perception and start seeking psychological help whenever necessary. They should also work towards improving their mental health since it can help them deal with any issues they face. It also allows them to reduce the risk of depression.
Men should learn how to take care of their health, especially if they have a family to take care of.