With Father's Day approaching, it's time to focus on men's health. They might not want to admit it, but guys need to practice self-care too. So often, diet and exercise can take a back seat to all the other demands on our time. But health is an investment that pays dividends! Encourage the men in your life to take healthy steps now, and celebrate more Fathers Days together! Here are a few facts and healthy ideas.

FAST FACTS:

On average, men die about 5 years earlier than women. In part due to lack of preventative care. source
1 in 2 men are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime compared to 1 in 3 women.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the US, and 1 in every 41 men diagnosed will die from it. source
The leading cause of death for men is heart disease, attributing about 1 in 4 male deaths in 2019. source

Despite these gloomy statistics, there are natural ways to beat the odds, and it starts with having a positive mindset. Start the day grounded, with 10 minutes of simple deep breathing exercises, and reading something encouraging or empowering. Try making a list of 6 things to accomplish that day that include some specific actions to improve health, so it doesn’t feel like an insurmountable task.

Get Active - Here’s a chance to have fun and be productive while getting in some cardio. Playing sports, cleaning the garage, or doing yardwork are all ideas to keep men moving (while checking things off the to-do list). Listen to your body; exercise to the proper intensity to prevent overdoing it and crushing your motivation. With regular aerobic activity, your heart will thank you!
Eat Right - Consider adding walnuts to your salad or snack mix. In mouse studies, walnuts were shown to reduce prostate cancer. Stay hydrated with lots of pure water. Of course, plenty of veggies (especially leafy greens) in the diet will help get the phytonutrients, antioxidants, and fiber content needed to benefit the entire body.
Sustaining Sleep - Many Dads have bedtime routines for their kids, but not for themselves. Sleep is about rhythms, and having a bedtime routine is a way to prepare your mind and body for rest. Solid, unbroken sleep is critical for physical restoration and mental clarity. Regular exercise has the added benefit of making it easier to get restful sleep at the end of the day. Avoiding stimulants before bed seems like a no brainer, but that includes emotional stimulation too. As much as possible, use your mental energy to sort out emotional topics during the day. Try not to engage in stressful thoughts prior to bedtime that could prevent you from getting deep sleep. Taking a hot shower 90 minutes before bed can also help wind down and stimulate melatonin production.

It’s great motivation to be healthy when there is someone who is encouraging you. Whether it’s a Dad, Husband, or Friend, just taking a moment to let them know you care about them is good medicine for everyone.