4 Ways Men Can Improve Their Health
Although we live in one of the healthiest countries, on average, Australian men die six years younger than women. 30% of a man’s overall health is determined by their genetics, but the rest is within their control. Here are 4 simple ways men can improve their health outcomes and beat the average:
#1 - Sleep is important! Men who sleep 7-8 hours per night have approximately 60% less risk of fatal heart attacks than those who sleep 5 hours or less. Lack of adequate sleep can also affect your immune system, energy levels and your mood. If you suffer from disrupted sleep, chat with our pharmacy team for advice.
#2 - It’s important to monitor your alcohol intake. More than 1 in 2 men engage in high-risk levels of drinking on single occasions, and 1 in 4 men consume more than the maximum recommended 2 standard drinks per day on average; this increases to almost 1 in 3 men aged 55-64. Drinking more than 10 standard drinks a week almost doubles your risk of type 2 diabetes!
#3 - Exercise is an important element in maintaining your health. Men who climb 50 stairs or walk 5 city blocks per day may lower their risk of a heart attack by 25%. Also, inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from depression than active men. Exercise doesn’t need to be hard, join some friends for a game of tennis, play football with the kids or take the dog for a daily walk.
#4 - Eat a balanced diet with 5-7 serves of fruit and vegetables per day. Less than 1 in 30 men are eating enough fruit and vegetables, according to Australian guidelines. If you feel you are lacking nutrition, your Ramsay pharmacist can recommend supplements to help until your eating plan is back on track.
On average, men live the equivalent of 9 years in poor health and most of this is caused by small preventable lifestyle changes. If you have any concerns about your health, talk to your doctor or health professional. Your local Ramsay or Malouf pharmacist is easy to access and always available to provide expert advice on ways to improve your health.
Simple changes to your lifestyle can make a world of difference so you can beat the average!
References:
https://www.amhf.org.au/exactly_how_big_is_the_gender_health_gap
https://www.menshealthweek.org.au/events/resources/male-health-infographics
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/male-health/contents/lifestyle-and-risk-factors/tobacco-smoking-alcohol-and-illicit-drugs
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/male-health/contents/lifestyle-and-risk-factors/diet
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/mars-vs-venus-the-gender-gap-in-health