We’ve all heard the saying ‘Health is Wealth’, and unless you’ve suffered some form of debilitating health-related issue, it’s easy to take this notion for granted.
While health issues impact all genders, it’s male health problems that are dominating headlines in the media lately. This may appear to be unfair or provide a disadvantage to women, but it’s never been more critical that we raise awareness of men’s health and highlight the imbalance between men and women.
Why Are We Focusing On Men’s Health?
The focus on men’s health stems from the realisation that men are dying much younger than women and are more likely to die from preventable conditions. It became clear that, as a society, we needed to find out the reasons for this and put in measures that allow men to live healthy and happier lives for longer.
These statistics help highlight why men’s health is important as a focus, and just how big the divide is:
- According to the United Nations, the global life expectancy at the time of writing is 70.8 years for males and 76.0 years for females
- In many countries, suicide rates are higher among men compared to women
- Men tend to have higher rates of smoking and substance abuse compared to women
- Men are more at risk of high blood pressure and develop cardiovascular diseases earlier than women
- Men often make up the majority of workplace-related injuries and fatalities
- In some regions, men may face barriers in accessing healthcare services, including lower rates of preventive care and health screenings
How Did This Happen?
Historically, men's health concerns were often overlooked or overshadowed by discussions around women's health. Traditional gender roles also encouraged men to prioritise work and their careers over their health and wellbeing.
The rising awareness of mental health also showed us that mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicide, are prevalent among men. However, there has historically been a stigma associated with men seeking help for mental health concerns.
Now, societal attitudes are evolving, and there is an increasing recognition that men need to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing as well. This shift has led to a greater emphasis on men's health, increased awareness of male-specific diseases - from prostate cancer to Klinefelter syndrome - and a movement encouraging men to seek regular check-ups and engage in preventive health practices.
Today, there is an abundance of organisations, support groups, and initiatives that specifically focus on men's health. International Men’s Health Week and Movember are just two of the well-known global movements that raise awareness for men's health issues and risk factors.
How Can A Man Improve His Health?
Any man looking to improve their health can often find the task overwhelming. Improving your health is a multifaceted endeavour that involves numerous areas, so where do you start?
Here are 8 key men’s health tips to help improve overall health:
- Balanced diet: Don’t skip meals, instead, eat a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive sodium and saturated fat intake. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water, you also won’t feel hungry as often!
- Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to lose weight and maintain a healthy state, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall fitness. Aim for a combination of aerobic exercises (such as running, swimming, or cycling) and strength training (weightlifting, bodyweight exercises) to achieve a well-rounded fitness routine. Try for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
- Adequate sleep: Get enough sleep to support physical and mental wellbeing. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a consistent sleep routine, create a conducive sleep environment, and practise relaxation techniques if necessary.
- Stress management: Find healthy ways to manage stress, as chronic stress can negatively impact health. Engage in activities that help you relax and unwind, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, hobbies, or spending time in nature. Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.
- Regular check-ups: Schedule routine medical check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health, screen for any potential issues, and receive appropriate preventive care. Discuss any concerns or symptoms you may have during these visits.
- Limit alcohol and tobacco: If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to various health problems. Avoid smoking and limit exposure to secondhand smoke, as smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Strive to achieve and maintain a healthy weight range for your body type and height. Excess weight can increase the risk of numerous health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Combine a balanced diet with regular exercise to manage weight effectively.
- Mental health care: Pay attention to your mental wellbeing and seek help if needed. Prioritise self-care, manage stress, maintain healthy relationships, and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Reducing use of social media can also help. If you're struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support.
Always consult with healthcare professionals, such as Doctors, Nutritionists, or Fitness Trainers, to get personalised advice based on your specific health needs and goals.
Courses To Help Advance Men’s Health
If you’re looking to learn more about reducing the health risks men face and develop detailed knowledge that you can use to advance and maintain your health long-term, you might want to consider studying a course.
We have a vast range of online courses in all manner of areas that can help men improve and maintain a positive state of health. Some of them can even qualify you for a new career!
Men’s Health And Fitness
Fitness is essential for men's health because it provides numerous physical and mental benefits. Regular exercise and physical activity help men with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, strengthen bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall physical function.
Fitness also plays a crucial role in managing stress, improving mental wellbeing, boosting self-confidence, and promoting better sleep. By prioritising fitness, men can significantly improve their quality of life and longevity.
If you want to study fitness to improve your health, our fitness faculty boasts a range of online courses that are led by expert Personal Trainers and fitness professionals. You can even train to become a PT yourself and learn how to set up your own fitness empire!
Men’s Health And Nutrition
Nutrition is a vital area to address for men's health because it plays a crucial role in maintaining overall wellbeing and reducing the risk of various health conditions. Adequate nutrition provides the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support bodily functions, including hormone production, immune system function, and muscle growth.
In addition to helping with weight and reducing the risk of certain diseases, proper nutrition can help promote optimal energy levels and mental clarity. By following a balanced diet, men can enhance their physical performance, improve recovery from exercise, and increase longevity, leading to a higher quality of life.
With learndirect, you can study:
- Clinical Nutrition
- Diet and Nutrition
- Exercise & Nutrition for a Healthy Lifestyle
- Human Nutrition Skills
- Living Foods Nutrition
- Nutrition for Children and Adolescents
- Nutritional Therapy
- Vegetarian & Vegan Nutrition
We also have a host of regulated courses that can help qualify you for a career in this space and even combine fitness and nutrition studies:
- Nutrition and Health (RQF) Certificate Level 2
- Level 3 Diet and Nutrition (RQF)
- Level 3 Personal Trainer Nutrition Specialist (RQF)
- Level 4 Advanced Sports Nutrition Certificate (RQF)
- Level 4 Nutritionist Package (RQF)
Check all of them out on our website!
Men’s Health And Wellbeing
Men wanting to improve their health also need to consider their wellbeing. This is essential as it encompasses various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health that directly impacts your overall quality of life.
Men who actively prioritise their wellbeing can maintain optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance their ability to cope with life's challenges. If you’re looking to improve your health in this space, our online wellbeing courses can help you promote healthy habits, reduce stress levels, foster positive relationships, and improve productivity.
All of this can help you enhance your resilience, longevity, and overall satisfaction, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
We offer an extensive range of wellbeing courses to suit all manner of interests. You could learn the art of meditation, study stress management techniques, or try your hand at journal therapy.
Alternatively, if you’d specifically like to learn more about different mental health issues and enduring disorders, our regulated online mental health courses will be ideal for you.
For more help on the range of online courses we offer that can help improve men’s health, speak to our team on 01202 006 464 or click the link below!
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