Shoulder-to-shoulder; let’s connect for better health

The life-expectancy for men is still lagging behind women with higher death rates for almost all the leading causes of death, poorer lifestyles responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases and late presentation to health services, leading to problems becoming untreatable.

Men’s Health Week runs from 9 – 15 June and with this year’s theme ‘Shoulder-to-shoulder’ we are urging men to come together to be unified, strong, resolute, focused, supportive and connected for better health and wellbeing.

Our fitness instructor and men’s mental health and wellbeing advocate, Tommy Stevenson shares his advice on positive steps men can take to help themselves. Tommy says:

 Love your heart 

Reduce your blood pressure! High blood pressure is definitely not something to ignore. Hypertension is when there’s too much pressure in your blood vessels, which can damage them and cause health problems. Ideally, we want blood pressure to be 120/80 or lower. To maintain a healthy blood pressure, we need to be doing regular moderate physical activity, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, keeping a healthy weight, reducing salt and alcohol and avoiding processed meat and tobacco. If you’re new to exercise, have a look at what getactiveabc has to offer – from fitness classes, swimming, golf, running, gym sessions and loads more, there’s something for men of all ages and abilities to get stuck into!

 Check your bits and bobs

It’s important to be body aware. Men, get to know your body and be alert to lumps, bumps and changes. Early detection can very often mean a better chance of successful treatment. Men aged 40 – 74 years who do not have a pre-existing health condition, should be invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP.

 Don’t get clogged up

Keep your cholesterol at a healthy level to reduce the risk of stroke or heart disease. Too much ‘bad’ cholesterol can damage your arteries and make it harder for the blood to flow through them. For most people the total cholesterol measurement should be no more than 5. The frightening reality is that men over 50 are more likely to get high cholesterol and it does not usually cause symptoms – you can only find out if you have it from a blood test. So please, get checked out by your doctor.

 Mind your head

Your mental health matters. We care for our bodies, but our minds take just as many hits. Overthinking and the constant pressure to ‘power through’ tough times – it all builds up fast and before you know it, everything feels too much. Help clear the clutter and calm your mind with time out from screens or pressure situations – go for a walk, hit the gym, set boundaries that work for you and don’t be afraid to say no.

 Get by with a little help from friends

Opening up to a friend or spending time with friends can sometimes be all the help we need to feel better or get whatever’s on our mind out in the open. If you’re feeling weighed down with worries or fears, reach out to someone you trust and ask for help. The worst thing you can do is bottle it up. It works both ways too – if you notice a friend not in good form, start the conversation and let them know you’re there for them.

These are just some of the key points I can recommend to men, young and old. Take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing and give yourself the best chance of staying fit and well to enjoy life. Hard times come and hard times go for everyone, regardless of age, gender or profession but we must remember that whatever we’re going through, there are people and services around us to help.

Keep an eye on getactiveabc social media over the course of the week, where we’ll feature more information, advice and inspiring stories of men who connect with sport and exercise for better health and wellbeing!

Take care men!