June is National Men’s Health Month! Men’s Health Month raises awareness of preventable health problems men face and encourages them to take steps toward a longer, healthier, and happier life. Health statistics show that men are half as likely to visit the doctor as women and more likely to put their health at risk by smoking, drinking alcohol, and making other unhealthy life choices. Men also lead the death rate for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and suicide.
Many health problems can be avoided by being proactive and living a healthy lifestyle. It’s time to take charge of your health by making better lifestyle choices.
- Be informed about common health issues that are specific to men. Learn more about your health, know your numbers, and schedule an appointment with your doctor to monitor your weight, blood pressure, and other numbers like cholesterol and glucose. Schedule a prostate screening.
- If you smoke or use other tobacco products, STOP! This includes vaping.
- Get Active! Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to be healthier. Moving more is a great start. A walk around the block is an easy way to begin. It’s okay to start slow and gradually build a routine that works for you. Increase your physical activity level to 30 minutes per day, most days of the week.
- Tweak your diet. Focus on adding more vegetables, leafy greens, nuts and berries to support brain health and boost fiber intake. Add lean protein options like salmon and turkey to meet your protein needs.
- Limit alcohol
- If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
- Don’t ignore your mental health!
- Manage stress – If you feel constantly on edge or under pressure, your lifestyle habits may suffer – and so might your immune system. Take steps to reduce stress or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.
Bonus Tip: Eating a variety of nutritious foods can support overall health. Here is a list of foods to start eating more often or incorporating into your diet:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Add more berries for heart and brain health.
- Frozen and low-sodium canned vegetables are good options also.
- Whole-grain products, such as brown rice and whole-grain breads
- Fiber-rich foods, such as beans and leafy greens
- Beans are a great plant-based protein and fiber source.
- Lean cuts of meat and poultry, such as skinless chicken breast and lean ground beef
- Fish, such as salmon
- Include sardines, tuna, and other fatty fish to increase your intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Nuts and seeds
- Eating a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds daily may improve heart health.
Your health matters. Invest in yourself and make healthy living decisions to support your health and wellness for a lifetime. It’s up to you!
Extension programs offered in each Arkansas county help residents make wise choices about issues affecting their personal and family health. For more information contact the Arkansas County Extension Office at 870-659-2058.
Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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