By: Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
When you think of men’s health, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably physical health, right? Do they look healthy? Do they have any health conditions? Are they forced to take any medications for various issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.?
But men’s health runs much deeper than that. Far too many men look in the mirror and base their health on what the mirror shows them.
In addition to what we already mentioned with men’s health from the physical side of things, you also need to look at the mental health side of things and overall wellness.
In this article, we are going to take a deeper dive into men’s health and wellness so that you can start having an open dialogue with yourself on some of the things you may have been neglecting.
We’ll look at specific health issues, preventative measures, mental health, and even some fitness tips to help you improve men’s health and wellness.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.
Understanding Men’s Health
With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy for individuals to neglect their health. After all, over 70% of Americans are considered overweight, which tells you they are already neglecting their health.
We all have the demands of work, family, and daily responsibilities that pull us in every direction possible. It can be overwhelming sometimes. Not only does this lead to poor physical health, but also poor mental health. Self-care isn’t just for women – it’s for men, too.
Common Issues with Men’s Health
According to Harvard, the five most common issues with men’s health today are:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Depression
What do all these things tend to have in common? They tend to form through poor lifestyle choices and behaviors. Men’s health and wellness (both physical and mental) stem from the choices we all make.
Are you following a healthy diet and avoiding ultra-processed foods and foods high in sugar or trans fat? Are you moving throughout the day and regularly exercising? Are you taking time to destress and re-center yourself?
If you’re not checking the boxes to promote men’s health, sooner or later, you may find yourself battling one (or more) of these common health issues that men face.
While I’m not going to tell you a healthy diet and exercise are going to 100% prevent or solve most common issues, the research is very strongly correlated with the fact that those who make smart lifestyle choices, as it relates to nutrition and exercise, tend to lower their risk of diseases and illnesses.
Preventative Measures for Men’s Health
As they say, “Prevention is the best medicine.” Why wouldn’t you want to avoid men’s health and wellness issues before they could even take form?
Far too many people have the “It’ll never happen to me mentality” until it happens to them, and now, they are spending twice the time and money fixing those health issues.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Start by fueling your body with nutritious real foods, staying active through regular exercise, and saying no to harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking. Remember, small changes today can lead to significant benefits tomorrow. So, start making the changes today.
Individuals who don’t consume a wide variety of healthy foods daily may suffer from nutrient deficiencies. This is way more common than you would think, as it’s challenging to get enough vital micronutrients from the foods we eat simply because of the volume of food it takes.
To solve this issue, it’s wise to leverage supplements.
For instance, Vitamyna’s For Him formula is an essential daily supplement pack that is formulated specifically to support men’s health. This powerful supplement includes five key supplements: an Active Men’s Multivitamin tablet, Super Omega-3, NAC, CoQ10, and Vitamin D3. This potent combination is something every man should consider adding to their daily routine to ensure they fill nutrient gaps in their diet.
Mental Health Awareness
Now, let’s talk about something involving men’s health and wellness that often gets swept under the rug: mental health.
Contrary to popular belief, mental health issues don’t discriminate based on gender. In fact, many men refuse to believe they can’t push through mental health issues because it’s the “manly” and “tough” thing to do. Or they simply think things will improve or go away on their own. Unfortunately, this can lead men down a very dark path.
The fact is men are less likely to seek help due to societal stigma and expectations of masculinity. Depression, anxiety, and stress are all too common among men, but there’s strength in seeking support.
Whether it’s talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or practicing self-care techniques, prioritizing mental health is essential for overall well-being.
Fitness Tips for Men
The best time to focus on your health through making fitness a priority was yesterday. The next best time is today.
Most men equate fitness with building as much visible muscle as possible. Sure, that somewhat plays into men’s health and fitness, but if that’s the only thing you’re thinking of and focused on, you’re missing the bigger picture here.
Men’s health and fitness come down to keeping your body strong and healthy from the inside out. You should incorporate a mix of resistance training, cardio exercises, and flexibility routines into your weekly regimen.
And don’t worry if you’re short on time – even a brisk walk during lunch or a quick bodyweight workout at home can make a drastic difference when it comes to men’s health.
The key is to move your body more and make it a habit.
Consistency is key. If you’re not showing up and putting in the work, don’t expect to see any changes to your overall health and wellness. Your fitness and workout routine are just as much for your physical health as they are for your mental health.
Getting in a good workout or cardio session can boost endorphins and make you feel great long after your workout has ended.
Focus More on Your Health and Wellness – Make It a Priority!
There you have it – a blueprint of things you need to focus on more to support men’s health and wellness.
Leverage the tips and methods found in this article and stay consistent with them. Men’s health combines both physical and mental health. Both need to be a focus. If you aren’t practicing what was mentioned in this article, there’s no better time to start than right now.
