Father’s Day is a great time to focus on men’s health. For dads especially, finding the time to commit to your body’s needs is critical. This easy to follow prescription points out the small ways by which you can incorporate wellness into your daily routine.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but you can certainly throw the dog a lean bone and get him to run! Pass this on to that special dad in your life (it also comes in handy if you forget to buy a card…)
- Beat Your Body to the Chase. Don’t wait for something to go wrong before visiting your primary care doctor. Attending your annual, preventative check-up and enduring routine testing is your best- and healthiest- bet. Annual exams become even more critical with age, particularly after 50. Ask your primary care physician what routine exams or vaccines you are due for based on your age and family history. No more secretly googling your symptoms– google the number for your doctor’s office instead and make that appointment!
- Flare Up The Grill. Taking an active role in cooking your family’s meals will ensure you eat out less and consume more whole foods- reducing your chances of developing health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease (though try to keep the red meat to a minimum and up your intake of grilled fish, poultry and vegetables.)
- Take a Night Off Alcohol – or Cheers with a Glass of Wine Instead. While drinking alcohol excessively is detrimental to your health, in moderation, there are well documented benefits to having that evening night-cap. But when it comes to the type of alcohol you consume, for maximum health benefits, red wine is king. So switch it up and pop open a bottle of cabernet instead of reaching for the grain. For men, no more than 2 units of alcohol per day is the recommended limit.
- Lay off the Tobacco Altogether. Life is short- and it’s even shorter with every cigarette and cigar you inhale. Here’s some tips on how to quit.
- Remind Your Kids that Napping Is Critical To Your Health – As it turns out, you have a good excuse to pass out on the couch on a Saturday afternoon. Napping improves functionality, boosts your energy level, strengthens your mental health and revitalizes your body. (You might have to help out around the house afterward with that reasoning, however.)
- Take it Outside! Commit to at least 30 minutes a day to being active – and outdoors. This can mean taking a walk, jumping in on a pick-up game, or just pacing around the grill with unusual vigor! More outdoor time equals less sitting-down-in-front-of-the-screen-time. Get the whole family involved. Win Win!
Happy Father’s Day!
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, that provides free medical care to eligible patients, just like any family practitioner or internist. We serve uninsured adults living at or below 200 % of the Federal poverty level who live or work on Johns, Wadmalaw or James Islands. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.