Last month during a doctor's visit, I received a sobering reminder of the importance of maintaining good health. My blood pressure was borderline hypertensive. This wasn’t the first time I faced this issue; back in 2021, a similar spike almost prevented me from undergoing a dental procedure. That scare led to a regimen of blood pressure medication. Over the past three years, managing my physical and mental health has been a continuous battle. Skott and I decided that Men's Health Awareness Month would be the perfect catalyst to recommit to a healthier lifestyle.
The Importance of Men's Health Awareness Month
Men's Health Awareness Month, celebrated every June, is a vital time to highlight issues impacting men's health. According to the Men's Health Network, men are more likely to skip routine health screenings and are less likely to visit the doctor regularly compared to women. This can lead to the late detection of diseases, which often results in worse outcomes. Heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries are among the leading causes of death for men, and lifestyle changes can significantly mitigate these risks.
Statistics underscore the urgency:
Heart Disease: It's the leading cause of death for men in the United States, accounting for about 1 in every 4 male deaths. {professional.heart.org}
Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with anticipated 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2024. {cancer.org}
Mental Health: Men die by suicide 3.85 times more often than women, highlighting the need for better mental health support and awareness. {AFSP.org}
Our Goals for a Healthier Lifestyle
In light of these sobering statistics and recent events in our lives, Skott and I are determined to make some tangible changes. They say it takes 30 days to form a habit, so we’re starting now with the following goals:
Get Outside More: Embracing the outdoors is not only good for physical health but also for mental well-being. Fresh air and sunshine can work wonders.
Physical Activity Four - Five Times a Week: Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and body. We plan to incorporate various activities that we enjoy, starting slow.
Healthier Meals: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in health. We aim to prepare meals that are both nutritious and delicious, helping us develop better eating habits.
Finding Balance in Outdoor Activities
Skott loves extreme sports—mountain biking {hence the latest ER visit}, snowboarding, dirt bike riding—and our kids share his enthusiasm. While I don't have a single adventurous bone in my body, I do love being outdoors. Walking and enjoying the beauty around us is my kind of activity. Our challenge is to find a balance that allows us to spend time together while each of us enjoys our preferred activities.
DIYing a Healthier Lifestyle
This isn’t our typical DIY project, but it's one of the most important ones we’ll undertake. As a couple, Skott and I believe in growing together and supporting each other, no matter the endeavor. Embracing a healthier lifestyle will give us more strength, energy, and mental fortitude, ultimately making it easier to accomplish our at-home DIY projects. After all, we’re DIYing a healthier lifestyle—right?
And now that we have the garage {ALMOST} cleaned, organized, and the gym equipment installed, we have the ability to do some exercise at home too. This setup allows us to stay active regardless of the weather or time constraints, making it easier to stick to our fitness goals.
Taking Action
We encourage everyone to take Men's Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to evaluate your health and make positive changes. Whether it’s scheduling that overdue doctor's appointment, getting more active, or eating healthier, every small step counts. Join us in committing to a healthier future.
By making these changes, we hope to inspire others to take their health seriously and to support their loved ones in doing the same. Together, we can make a significant impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. Here’s to a healthier, happier future!
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