Hi friends.  We are excited to share, “Simple Everyday Changes Can Help Men Lead Healthier Lives” this week from Jennifer McGregor from Public Health Library.  This article gives men small, incremental, and more sustainable health habits to incorporate into their health regimen.  Thank you Jennifer for writing this really great article for us!!  We appreciate the time you took and for reaching out to us to have it posted on our site!!

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SIMPLE EVERYDAY CHANGES CAN HELP MEN LEAD HEALTHIER LIVES

Image courtesy of Pixabay

 

Major lifestyle changes can be difficult for men when it comes to diet and physical activity.  Initiating an ambitious weight-loss program can be disruptive and hard to maintain, even if it does lead to a healthier lifestyle.  Rather than making a sudden, radical change in your routine, try incorporating smaller, incremental, and more sustainable health habits into your health regimen.

 

Manageable Weight Loss

Despite what you may have heard, you can achieve a meaningful improvement in your health and appearance without setting an unrealistic weight-loss goal.  In fact, a relatively small change in your body weight can yield significant improvements.  Losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight can reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other dangerous health problems.  Anyone who’s ever tried to lose weight will appreciate how much easier it can be to lose just five to 10 pounds, as opposed to shedding 20 or 25 pounds and maintaining that weight.

 

Fruit Forward

Fruit is a tremendous source of dietary fiber, nutrients, and carotenoids, all of which produce substantial health benefits.  If you’re not into eating an apple a day, try berries instead.  Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries make for a delicious snack and go well with many different kinds of food.  Berries, citrus, and other fruits can help you avoid overeating and indulging in junk food because fruit makes you feel full.  There are many other advantages as well.  Blueberries, for example, can reduce your risk for diabetes and lower blood pressure.  Cranberries are a healthy choice for men who suffer from prostate and urinary tract problems.

Make the Most of Your Healthcare Coverage

Medicare Advantage plans often change from year to year, so it’s important that senior men keep a close watch on theirs.  Certain plans, such as those offered by UnitedHealthcare, include coverage for vision and dental care and help seniors stay fit by providing access to fitness facilities nationwide.  Whatever your age, it’s important to get the most out of your health coverage.

 

Minimize Processed Meats

A Harvard study showed that eating one serving a day of processed meats, such as bacon or deli meats, can increase one’s risk of heart disease by as much as 42 percent.  Processed meats have roughly four times more sodium and considerably higher amounts of nitrate preservatives than unprocessed meats, which represents a significant risk factor for colon cancer.  Men (particularly seniors) should emphasize foods that are high in fiber, such as vegetables (especially leafy greens), fruit, and whole grains over red meat.

 

Stay Active

A formal exercise program or gym membership may not be practical if you have either health or mobility issues.  So, try to work simple forms of exercise into your daily routine.  Take the dog for a brief walk every day after dinner, and gradually increase the length of your walk as you’re able.  Chair squats and wall push-ups can be done just about anywhere, don’t take much time, and are perfectly safe for most older adults to perform.

 

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking at least two liters of water a day keeps your organs functioning at peak efficiency.  It’s an excellent way to avoid urinary tract and prostate issues, promotes good circulation, and also flushes toxins out of your system.  Water benefits every system in your body and delivers essential nutrients to the skin and internal organs.  The best way to drink lots of water is to purchase a good reusable water bottle and keep it filled throughout the day.

The healthy personal habits you’ve always been advised to practice apply regardless of your age.  Exercise, diet, drinking water, and maintaining a healthy weight level are keys to a happy and active lifestyle.  Make regular appointments with your doctor and dentist, and make the most of your available health insurance coverage.

Jennifer McGregor co-created Public Health Library to write about health and wellness topics and to create a forum for sharing reputable health and medical information.

 

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