fbpx

MEN’s HEALTH: PRESERVING THE MALE POPULATION

I remember watching a comedy show yesterday and one of the jokes said by the comedian on stage was “while they are taking grandmothers for “omugo” (a common tradition in Nigeria and some other western parts of Africa, where the mother or mother-in-law visits a new mom who has just delivered to assist her for a certain period of time), the grandfathers are being taken to the mortuary. It sounded a little funny at first but later it got me thinking. I was taken aback to a conversation theme my husband and I occasionally have, where he keeps hammering the need for men to be taken care of and that advocacy for men should increase as well because it’s becoming alarming that many men don’t get to live long and healthy lives.

Men are one of the important pillars of society. Without them, the intentional and present men, the family unit is not complete as they help provide for the needs of the home, protect, offer guidance and leadership, are important role models, aid in instilling the right principles and so much more. But sadly, while carrying all these responsibilities and ensuring their families are in a good state, their own health and happiness is often neglected. The stress and hustle and bustle of have to put things together makes them most times not to pay attention to themselves, which is equally very important.

Studies show that the average life expectancy of men is 73.2 years and the lifespan of women exceed that of men globally by 7 years, mortality rates in men increases from when they’re 60+ and men are 50% more likely to die from heart disease more than women. Although some of these are attributable to biological and personal factors but most other factors can be prevented through avoidable and modifiable lifestyle practices.

Some of the reasons men die at early age than women

  • More men are involved in risky jobs and are more risk takers than women
  • Most men are not health conscious and don’t usually communicate their health needs and concerns
  • Stress and the burden of responsibility
  • More men engage in substance abuse more than women
  • More men engage in dangerous sporting activities (speed racing, rugby, boxing, etc…)
  • Lower immunity cells, women’s immune systems are known to produce greater amounts of antibodies than those of male
  • Most men have a larger body size and framework than women
  • Men are not so much of social beings
  • Commit suicide more than women due to not seeking out care attention for depression and stress.

Before we go on to tips to help men promote their health…..

Recently the world celebrated Father’s Day, did you celebrate the men in your life?

If you didn’t, WHY?

It’s not always about money, there are so many other ways that it can be done; sending them data and call time, offering a massage, cooking sumptuous dinner, appreciation text or post, offering to pay for a haircut and the list is endless

You still have the opportunity to do so, were still in the month of June

And if you did, well done. They deserve it and I’m sure it was appreciated.

Ways Men can stay healthy/Ways to help Men stay Healthy and live longer lives

  1. Practice appreciation: Appreciation is known to improve mood and cause the production of healthy hormones in the done, so constant appreciation can give men the health boost they need. Learn to appreciate their work and the efforts they put in and men also develop the habit of appreciating and celebrating yourselves. Self-love is the way to go.
  2. Create time to rest: Yes there are bills to pay, projects to run and legacies to build but much more your systems need time to recuperate. Amidst the busyness, create time to rest. It may not be sleeping but time to relax and take your mind of the heavy duties and responsibilities for a time.
  3. Eat healthy: This is non-negotiable but how often do men take out time to pay attention to what they eat or when they eat? Healthy eating helps build muscle, eliminates toxins, produces antibodies, helps secrete anti-aging hormones and keeps your body strong and going. Healthy eating is the fuel you need to carry out your activities.
  4. Invest in medical checkup and routines: You can never be too busy for yourself, if you aren’t feeling well or you’ve been noticing a certain symptom for a while, go check it out. Don’t use work as an excuse at the detriment of your health. Book time with your doctor and discuss your symptoms and concerns.
  5. Learn to open up and ask for help: Many think that asking for help is a form of weakness but actually it’s a sign of strength and when you do you’re acknowledging that you can’t do all by yourself and that in a way relieves your burden. No one got a trophy for being “macho”, don’t die in silence.
  6. Cut off from risky healthy practices: These include smoking, drinking, use of drugs and the likes. These are known to cause problems like fatty liver disease, increase your risk for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, decreases your immunity and thereby lowering your lifespan.
  7. Make tomatoes your friend: Studies show that tomatoes contain an element that helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer so from 40 years and above, its advicable to make it part of your diet but most importantly get your prostate checked.
  8. Manage your weight: Especially around the waist area and as much as possible avoid too much belly fat
  9. Develop an exercise routine: You work hard yes but being at the office the whole day isnt exercise. Try evening walks or jogs or go play tennis and soccer with the boys.
  10. Loosen up and become more social: Having great friends and building meaningful connections is not a waste of time and shouldn’t be just for business but it’s a great way of helping to maintain your health and keep stress at bay

Men’s place in the society can’t be disputed and we need them to be alive and stay healthy to carry out their responsibilities.

Women, help the men in your lives stay healthy and thus live longer lives by encouraging them to develop those strategies listed above and create an enabling environment for them.

Men take authority of your health, you matter.

Which strategies are you already practicing?

Which ones would you work on developing?

Let’s meet in the comment section.

Written By:
Rebecca Adeleke-Adesanmi, BSc. Nur., MA, Healthcare Mgt.
Health & Wellness Advocate.

<<<Previous Article  

Click to follow us on Instagram for more tips!

9 Comments

Add Comment

Insurance Quote


    Please prove you are human by selecting the Car.