4 things all men should do for their health
4 things all men should do for their health
June 10-16 is Men’s Health Week and to celebrate we’re sharing our 4 top tips for optimising men’s health. The below tips should be considered in addition to eating a balanced diet, regular movement and reducing stress.
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Reduce exposure to chemicals
Chemicals found in everyday products have been shown to be harmful to men’s health. Phthalates are one of many chemicals that have been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in men. Phthalates are commonly found in food packaging, medications and personal care products. A study of 1500 men over 35 years old found phthalates present in 99.6% of their urine samples. Opting for low tox products made from natural ingredients is the best way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Websites like Low Tox Life and Nicole Bijlsma have great resources to help reduce chemical exposure.
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Seek help and support when you need it
Suicide is the number one cause of death for men under the age of 44, with male suicide contributing to 80% of the national suicide rate. There is a common belief that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. However, a research group at The University of Sydney have found that men do want help, but will only engage in treatment if it is tailored to their needs. HeadsUpGuys is an organisation dedicated to managing and preventing depression in men.
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Oral Health – take it seriously
The 2018 Australian Oral Health Tracker showed men had a higher prevalence of gum disease than women. Considering gum disease is linked to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke this is a serious issue. With regular check-ups at the dentist and practising good oral hygiene daily, this can be prevented. We’ve written more about the SHDC approach to gum disease here.
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Make sleep a daily priority
At SHDC we frequently talk about sleep being the most important time of the day. It allows our bodies to rest and repair and is when our sex hormones are most active. One study found that participants who slept five hours per night for just one week had reduced testosterone levels. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to lower sperm count and affected sperm motility.
To learn more about Men’s Health Week click here.
