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Man Up!
By Jaime Calder Although a regular exercise routine is ideal, medical professionals stress that even
small lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of health problems for men.
Every year on the third Sunday in
June, we pause to appreciate the men their everyday activities. Little changes can reduce a man’s risk of erectile
in our lives. Too often, however, these such as getting more sleep, being more dysfunction by 70%.
same men fail to appreciate the value of active, managing stress and eating right – Buddy up.
their own health and wellbeing. Compared can have a big impact on overall health. The fact that men are less than half
to women of the same age, men are less If even these minor lifestyle modifications as likely as women to have close
likely to see a doctor on a regular basis, less sound overwhelming, consider starting friendships or be socially active is more
likely to be covered by health insurance and with these small steps: important than you might assume – a
less likely to see a healthcare provider even strong social network has been found to
after sustaining injuries or experiencing – Go to bed half an hour earlier. provide such benefits as faster recovery
symptoms of a disease. A good night’s sleep has been shown to from illness, a 43% reduction in the risk
The consequences of such inaction are improve brain function and memory, of becoming physically disabled and a
clear: lower blood pressure, build immunity 70% reduction in the risk of dementia.4
– Men die an average of five years sooner and reduce the risk of obesity, heart Moreover, research from the University
disease, diabetes and premature aging.3 of Pennsylvania has shown that men
than women.1 Is staying up for Jimmy Kimmel really who work out with friends lose more
– Men are half as likely as women to seek worth sacrificing all that? weight than those who go it alone.
This Father’s Day, give yourself the
help for mental health issues and are – Start your day with a tall glass of greatest gift of all: the gift of good health.
more than four times as likely to commit water. Your mind, your body and your loved ones
suicide.2 It’s refreshing. It’s cool. It’s calorie-free. will thank you for it.
– Although women see doctors more often It also helps your body maintain basic
than men, men cost our society much functions such as blood circulation, 1CDC/NCHS/ Health, US, 2015.
more for medical care beyond age 65. joint lubrication and food digestion – 2NCHS/ Health, US, 2013.
Such statistics may be startling, but medical functions we can all agree are pretty 3https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/sleep/
experts are quick to point out things don’t crucial to life. healthy_sleep.pdf
have to be this way. According to the U.S. 4The International Neuropsychological Society, 2011.
National Institutes of Health, roughly 70 – Take the stairs.
percent of men’s health problems could be Or take your dog for a long stroll. Or Always consult with your doctor about
avoided through simple adjustments in walk around as you talk on the phone. health concerns or before beginning an
Whatever it is that gets you moving, exercise regimen.
CONSIDER THESE OPTIONS do it. Climbing just 50 stairs per day
AT OUR FITNESS CENTERS: can cut your risk of heart attack by ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
25%, while regular physical activity
- Five-Minute Whole Body
Exercise Routine
(Tuesdays, Cowan Creek)
- Beginner Pilates for Men
(Thursdays, Cowan Creek)
- Basic Kickboxing
(Wednesdays, Texas Drive)
- Tai Chi
(Thursdays, Texas Drive)
- Cross Training
(Various times, Cowan Creek)
28 | SUNRAYS JUNE 2017
