June is Men’s Health Month and this time of year heightens awareness and provides context on health risks for men. Men’s Health Month is important for helping you get to the core of your wellbeing, by educating everyone on the pertinence of male health awareness. We understand that increased levels of exercise can bring about a sense of purpose and help improve physical health, but on occasion, life can slow you down in ways that you didn’t initially anticipate. Like any powerful machine, your body needs to undergo frequent maintenance in order to stay on track. By informing the general public on potential issues that can occur for males, we can assist in preventing future complications. 

How can you begin this process? Making healthy food choices is a great way to kickstart your journey. Statistically speaking, heart disease is the leading cause of death for male adults in this country. In 2013 alone, approximately 321,000 fatalities occurred as a result of this condition (one in every four male deaths), according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. What efforts can we make to help reduce this astronomically high number? The unfortunate truth is that lifestyle choices such as poor diet and physical inactivity are the primary risk factors for contracting heart disease. However, efforts can be made to decrease your risk and boost your overall health.

Nutritional Facts

Looking specifically at dietary consumption, selecting dairy products and foods that are low in fat will help to keep your nutritional wellness in check. Consider increasing your fruit and vegetable intake to meet the necessary amount, a criterion that is only met by roughly 1 in 10 adults (according to a 2017 CDC study). Federal guidelines indicate that adults should be consuming approximately 1½ to 2 cups per day of fruit and 2 to 3 cups per day of vegetables in order to meet this criteria. Incorporating these food groups into your regular diet can lead to an array of health benefits. Additionally, you could stay away from foods that have too much sugar or that are high in cholesterol content, as those can have negative drawbacks if consumed too frequently. It is recommended that everyone considers incorporating these heart-healthy options into their dietary plan:

– Lean red meat.

– Shellfish.

– Nuts.

– Eggs.

– Soy.

– Dark chocolate.

– Bananas.

– Cherries.

– Brown rice.

– High fiber cereal.

– Avocado.

– Tomato.

The Dangers of Physical Inactivity

Aside from improving nutritional intake, we also encourage increased levels of physical exercise as a method for helping to combat heart-related conditions. Men who suffer from obesity have an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, such as prostate cancer. A consistent workout plan can assist in preventing the development of these male-health issues. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 87% of adults with diabetes are either overweight or obese. In order to combat the onslaught of diabetes, exercise can help you maintain your blood sugar levels. Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, a large clinical study indicated that a simple 20 minutes a day of moderately intense exercise can either prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
For the month of June, you could consider joining an outdoor sports league. Sports and activities such as beach volleyball or a local softball league can help you reach your health goals while also allowing you to enjoy time with your friends and family. Overall, the most important aspect is to keep going with your workout program. Consistency is key to progress, and that dedication will keep you going strong. In the event that you develop an injury, physical therapy can help treat your condition.

How Does PT Help?

Vital to the process, checking in with your primary care provider and your physical therapist can provide insight into the inner details of your health. Examinations such as these can give an update on several harmful conditions. While keeping yourself accountable is important, there are some health-related indicators that may be difficult for an untrained professional to interpret. Your doctors and physical therapists are the primary mechanics who understand how the body should be operating. Ask your doctor to screen for issues if you are unsure about any aspect of your well-being.

Regaining your physical fitness and nutritional health can be simple with dedication, perseverance, and a little bit of help. Though preventive measures can be taken against illnesses, sometimes things happen whether we want them to or not. Whether it be recovering from an illness, or trying to prevent one, you can contact us at MOTION to schedule an appointment and visit one of our locations.