Men's health: The often neglected

Posted Jun 9, 2011 By Robert Rodine

EMC Lifestyle - On June 19 many of us will pick up the phone and make a special phone call to our fathers. It's a wonderful and proud day that has a way of placing a subtle glint in the eye of our manliest man.

Less known, is that Father's Day marks the closing celebration of International Men's Health Week. This annual affair is dedicated to educating the public on health conditions that affect men in high numbers, such as prostate and colorectal cancer. However, the event is also dedicated to raising awareness for less frequently considered conditions such as osteoporosis, depression, heart disease and diabetes. All of great importance yet rarely considered until present. Therefore, International Men's Health Week marks a pivotal moment for men to discover a balance in their life.

From a disease prevention perspective, the concept of work-life balance can often be the first stone in a strong foundation. Especially for those between 20 and 35 years of age. Like it or not, these are formative years for our future health status. This life period sets the stage for many lifestyle habits, the way we establish priorities and how we deal with stress.

Looking specifically to stress, the manner in which most men cope is less than efficient. In fact, a sizeable proportion of men "bottle-up'' and avoid talking about problems that lead to stress. The alternative? Being productive in another way or simply working harder. Chances are that many of us can either directly identify (or have observed) stress reduction strategies like chopping wood, cleaning the garage, mowing the lawn or washing the car. When that fails, it is time to park it on the couch with a bag of chips and either watch the game or a mindless action movie (...something starring Bruce Willis tends to be a good choice).

Unfortunately, these strategies rarely deal with the cause of stress itself and can lead to poor lifestyle habits (...and dietary choices). However, a more pro-active approach through diet and exercise can actually help your work-life balance in a number of ways. In fact, research has shown that people who exercise are healthier, experience less stress, are happier and are actually more productive throughout their day!

Firstly, exercising three times per week for at least 30 minutes is essential to both your current and future health status. Now, despite rebuttal efforts, playing hockey, baseball or golf is not exercise. This is physical activity, something that should still be encouraged, but is distinctly different. These types of activities are great for enjoyment, staying active and for maintaining social networks. But this is not exercise. To exercise you need to spend at least 30 minutes with a sustained elevated heart rate. Walk, bike, run. Anything that gets your blood pumping. ....and chopping wood still does not count.

Sustaining an elevated heart rate for at least 30 minutes for three sessions per week will work to keep your resting heart rate and blood pressure down, to help raise levels of good cholesterol and lower your triglyceride levels, it enhances your immune system and improves glucose metabolism. All of this reduces your risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Also, if you want a productive way to burn off stress, this is your mate.

Stress also has a significant effect on our appetite. When under pressure, men are more likely to skip a meal, leave the house without packing healthy snacks for the day and rely on sugar or caffeine to keep moving throughout the day. The result is overeating at dinner and fatty snacks during the night. In the end, we consume fewer nutrients and more fat and calories while doing it in a manner that is hard on the digestive system.

Eating small but more frequent meals is a great solution to staving of numerous health problems in the future. For starters, you avoid overeating as you are less hungry at meal times. Better planning results in healthier meals and snacks, less caffeine and sugar and a more consistent diet. And if these aren't enough reasons for you, keeping your blood sugar at more consistent and mid-range levels will have a significant effect on your mood and energy levels throughout the day.

How does this all relate back to work-life balance? Well, for many people we feel as though there is not enough time in the day. Rather than properly maintaining our bodies with meal planning and exercise, we simply opt for the quick fix.

Yet we do not hesitate to make time to wash and wax our car or change the oil. We rid the lawn and garden of weeds to keep it maintained and looking well. We clean the eaves trough, monitor our sump pumps and keep tools and gadgets cleaned, oiled and at their best. We even patch and seal our driveways to keep them going for years and years. Why do we do all this stuff? Because we know that maintenance prevents things from breaking down early and promotes a long, healthy life span. Hmm...

Work-life balance is focused on ensuring that you are taking care of the 'life' portion. With the arrival of International Men's Health Week, the media and internet will be buzzing with information and resources helping you to make the time for yourself. And with Father's Day cleverly positioned at the tail end, it offers a way for others to help you get a jump start.

With the gift-seeker in mind, while a tie, coffee mug and photo montage are thoughtful and appreciated, running shoes, a water bottle and a mapped walking route are gift ideas that invest in a man's future.

As for ending this year's International Men's Health Week, have a happy Father's Day and a healthy June.

'Our Health' is a monthly column directed towards health, wellness and lifestyle.

Dr. Robert Rodine is a chiropractor at Restorative Health in Smiths Falls. Find us on Facebook!