Make the Most of Men’s Health Month

June is not only a time to soak up all the rays from that big ball of fire in the sky but also a time to celebrate our dads and the many special men in our lives. This is because June plays host to Father’s Day and is also recognized as Men’s Health Month.

We love our dads no matter how goofy, kooky, or embarrassing they can be. I look forward to the day that I become a dad and can embarrass my kids by dancing to all the new hip dances like this or show off some crazy dad-ninja skills while saving my kids from impeding danger.

Our dads are special people, and we will do whatever we can to keep them around in our lives as long as possible. That’s why—in honor of Men’s Health Month—I have compiled a list of three helpful things men can do to stay as healthy as possible.

Eat Right, Keep Tight

As I’m sure all you smart, beautiful readers know, eating healthy is key for a long, happy life. This becomes especially important for men as they age—which is why I never want to grow up and continue eating like a ferociously-hungry 13-year-old boy.

Some foods that are a good idea for any man to keep around: fatty fish, broccoli, berries/cherries, and nuts (of the less salty variety).

Fatty fish—including tuna, salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines—are loaded with omega-3 acids and are strong anti-inflammatory foods that offer a wide arrange of health benefits. It is recommended to eat fish twice weekly.

Broccoli has always been known to be a superfood, and it is important for men because it contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, and sulphoraphane.

Berries and cherries are jam-packed with healthy antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins that work together in harmony to help keep your body running at maximum efficiency. Cherries and berries—including blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries—have also been thought to promote healthy brain function and slow the decline of an aging brain. (They’re also a marvelous treat to eat!)

Unsalted nuts are a great snacking food that contain many health benefits. Nuts like Brazil nuts, almonds, and cashews have all been considered to help reduce the risk of heart disease and can lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Nuts are also filled with magnesium and selenium, both of which are powerful antioxidants that can aid in prostate health.

The Doctor Will See You Now 

Going to the doctor isn’t something we always look forward to. There are long waits, sticky, sneezy kids running and screaming, popsicle sticks being jammed down your throat, and stupid things known as co-pays and insurance. But all that is worth it for a clean bill of health or early detection of a potentially-harmful disease.

As a man in his younger years, I don’t visit the doctor that often. I even try to avoid them most of the time. People of my ilk think we are invincible and don’t need to waste our time at the fancy doctor’s office. But I am not invincible (probably), and I know that when I get older and eventually have a wife and kids to take care of, going to the doctor for tests and examinations is absolutely crucial.

Starting around the age range of 40–50, it is considered very important for men to get tested for things like high blood pressure, colon cancer, prostate cancer, glaucoma, and skin cancer. I know what goes in (literally) to some of these exams, and it sounds scary, to be honest. But having the peace of mind of good health makes it all worth it.

And maybe, if you’re good, the doctor will give you a sucker when it’s all over. 

Everything Zen

Quite possibly the easiest and hardest thing to do on this list is relax and remove as much stress from your life as possible.

Being stressed releases harmful chemicals throughout your body, and decades of stress can do some serious damage. When you’re wound up tighter than a pair of cycling spandex shorts all the time, it puts immense pressure on your heart—which can lead to potentially life-threatening complications down the road.

So if you can find the time, do whatever it is you find relaxing—and do it often. Whether that’s catching up on some of your favorite sitcoms, petting puppies or kitties, jamming out to the latest Taylor Swift banger in the car, or cooking a lovely meal for your spouse—do what makes you happy. You can also consider starting a new hobby or trying out new things like tai chi or yoga to help relieve stress.

There are too many ways to improve your health to fit in one blog post, but I hope this can be a good start to keeping you happy and healthy for years to come. Please feel free to add any of your own tips or ways you keep stress-free in the comments section.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and amazing men out there!

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