Men, Take Care of Your Health
By Paul Rothbart
For most guys, part of being a man is being tough. Pain can't stop us. Neither can depression, a toothache, or anything else that plagues mere mortals. Men don't need to see medical professionals unless something really serious happens, like death. Of course, none of this is true. Men need to look after their health every bit as much as women. It will help prevent illness and injury as well as improve quality of life. Here are some tips for better men's health.
See Medical Professionals
Don't play the tough guy who is OK and doesn't need any help. We are all human. Choose a primary care physician and go at least once a year for a physical. That includes bloodwork and any other tests performed periodically. You change the oil and maintain your car, you can do that much for your body which you can't replace. This includes seeing a dentist. Bacteria from decaying teeth can travel to other parts of the body and cause serious illness. Mental health is every bit as important as physical health. There is no shame in seeing a therapist if you show any signs of depression or mental illness. It helps to talk to someone just to deal with everyday stress. Taking medication for a mental health issue is also not a sign of weakness. Treating health problems is smart and takes guts.
Prostate Health
For aging males, a prostate exam at every physical is vital. The prostate grows as you age and can become problematic. It only takes a doctor seconds to do a check. It's also important to eat a healthy, low-fat diet to minimize the risk of an overgrown prostate and lower the risk of prostate cancer.
Get Enough Sleep
Another aspect of the tough guy lifestyle is the belief that one doesn't need much sleep. Nothing could be further from the truth. You may be able to function for a while on 4-5 hours of sleep a night, but it will catch up with you. Insufficient sleep can cause many different health problems and increase the risk of really serious disease. You also can't function and be as productive on less than seven hours of sleep.
Have Some Fun
Making a living and taking care of a house and family is certainly important. But take some time to enjoy yourself. Have hobbies, take vacations. Socialize with family and friends. All work and no play makes Jack an unhealthy as well as a dull boy.
Taking good care of oneself is important and that includes men. The macho attitude can cause many problems and lack of self-care is at the top of that list. Be a man. Take care of yourself.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Louis, Mo.