In a time where we are busier than ever striving for that “work-life balance” on top of that throw in a family, a regular fitness routine, nutrition and a social life and you’ve got a real-life juggling act.
This Men’s Health Week Men’s Health partnered with Swisse to deliver the best health information, tips and strategies for life. We focused on the biggest threats to men’s health in the form of diabetes, lung, prostate, brain, heart and mental health.
In our research we found some reoccurring themes, stick to these habits to boost your health and lower your risk of the common killers.
Exercise
Before you pull another creative excuse out of the bag to skip your next workout think about your gains beyond bulging pecks and rock hard abs. Studies have found that working up a sweat 3-5 times a week not only boosts your aerobic and anaerobic fitness but decreases your risk of heart, lung, depression and type 2 diabetes.
“Fitness isn’t the goal when it comes to taking care of our health. More emphasis needs to be put on living a holistic, healthy lifestyle. This means considering all aspects of our life that can affect the health of our heart,” says Swisse expert Eliza Millsom.
Smoking
Smokers are at higher risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Talk to your GP about how you can nip your smoking habit in the butt early to reduce your risk.
Nutrition
Eating right isn’t just a weight loss tool, a diet high in sodium and added sugar can do damage to your heart and increase your risk of heart conditions. When it comes to keeping your health in check, you need to take a holistic approach to your wellness. A combination of eating the right foods and being active will significantly reduce your risk of manly of the biggest health threats to men in Australia.
RELATED: Here’s 8 Foods You Should Eat Every Day
Sleep
Aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night to boost your mood, physical health and longevity. Sleep helps your body and mind repair, recharge and fight off disease. It also helps reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers stress and keeps blood pressure and cholesterol levels at bay. Struggling to catch the zzz’s? Try sleeping naked to get a better sleep and ignite your metabolism.
You can find out all of the information you need on the different health checks every guy should be having in his 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s here.