This week is Men’s Health Week in conjunction with the Men’s Health Forum The aim of Men’s Health Week is to raise awareness of the key numbers and statistics that affect males and promote ways in which males can support their health and reduce their chances of becoming another statistic:
One man in five dies before the age of 65
75% of premature deaths from heart disease are male
67% of men are overweight or obese
Middle aged men are twice as likely to have diabetes as women
So What Can I Do?
Just making some small lifestyle changes can drastically improve your physical health which in turn will reduce the likelihood of developing illnesses and conditions:
Be more physically active - aim to achieve 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week or 75 minutes of physical activity per week. Try to be active for even a short period of time each day, do some strengthening activities and reduce long period of time sitting down.
Improve your diet and staying hydrated - aim to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day, choose wholegrain versions of carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta etc) wherever possible, reduce food and drinks that are high in fat, sugar and salt and drink 6-8 glasses of water per day.
Turn up to health checks - if you are aged between 40-74 you are eligible for a free MOT from NHS England, these checks save 650 lives a year and prevent 1,600 heart attacks so do attend health checks or any other screenings you are invited to.
Reduce alcohol consumption - the recommended guidance is to not drink more than 14 units each week which is equivalent to 6 pints or lager or 6 medium glasses of wine. Try to have drink free days in the week, use measures when you are pouring a drink at home or try many of the new low alcohol or alcohol free drinks that are increasingly popular.
Don’t smoke - stopping smoking can have many health benefits and whilst there is not a best way to stop smoking as it differs from person to person there is lots of support available through local stop smoking services and you are 4 times more likely to quit successfully with expert help and advice.
Where else can I get help? Below are some websites where you can get further information on living a more healthy life: NHS Smokefree - Stopping smoking and local stop smoking services. Reducing your drinking - drinkaware website with information on reducing, tracking and understanding the impact of drinking
British Nutrition Foundation - information on eating a balanced diet, the basic of nutrition, staying hydrated along with lots of blogs, online talks and events -
Download apps for classes you can do at home, some of our favourite are Nike Training Club, 7 Minute Workout (for when you need a quick workout) and Daily Yoga for a little more gentle option.
The NHS have some great links and exercises based on fitness levels here including exercises you can do sitting down or with your pillow. Gemma Carter-Morris, Director of Wellbeing, Next Steps Consulting