In most parts of the world, health outcomes among men continue to be substantially worse than among women. Men tend to suffer more severe conditions than women, they have higher death rates for most leading causes of death and they die about six years younger than women.
By the age of 55, approximately percent of Black men will develop high blood pressure. Forty percent of Black men die prematurely from cardiovascular disease as compared to 21 percent of white men. Fourty-four percent of Black men are considered overweight and 24 percent are obese.
Men are statistically shown to make less frequent visits to the doctor than women. And when they see a doctor, they are less likely to report the symptoms of disease or illness.
In fact, most men tend to skip the doctor until they become sick or are faced with a serious health problem.
Unfortunately, many of the health issues men face are preventable and treatable. In most households, it’s often the woman who takes control of the health and well-being of the family. With this in mind, here are five tips to help women guide the men in their lives toward a healthier lifestyle.
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1. Be Intentional When Scheduling Doctor Visits
Try to schedule your appointments for the same day. Scheduling yearly check-ups are important in preventing and also diagnosing issues earlier on before they become a problem.
2. Exercise Regularly Together
Exercise can help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and colon cancer. It can help treat depression, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure too. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. Taking a walk together, jogging, swimming, and mowing the lawn all count!
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3. Eat Healthier At Home
Try cooking at home more rather than eating out. Saturated fats are bad for arteries and heart health. They can also harm concentration and memory. Cut back on the red meat, butter, and other such foods. Add more fish, plants, vegetables, fruits, flaxseed, nuts, etc. Increase the intake of Omega 3 fatty acids which are associated with keeping blood vessels healthy and keeping blood pressure down.
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4. Manage Stress Together
Most men feel the pressure of being the provider and head of the household, which raises stress levels. Stress can take a toll on emotional and physical health. Help your man de-stress by scheduling couples massages, going out on date nights more, meditating together, etc.
5. Sleep Hygiene Is Important
Getting enough sleep (at least 7 hours each night) helps lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease, helps with staying at a healthy weight, helps with lowering blood pressure, helps with improving mood and thinking more clearly.
Women should encourage the men in their lives to have a healthy and consistent sleep routine, avoid nicotine altogether, avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day and avoid napping after 3 pm.
Always remember that just because you are healthy doesn’t mean you are off the hook! Health protection and prevention are the keys to staying healthy for the long haul. Find a doctor you like and start building a physician-patient relationship.
Dr. Eva Beaulieu (IG: @dr.evab) has practiced medicine for 11 years as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist. She specializes in treating patients with High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Obesity in Atlanta, GA.
