2008 Woodie Awards
Concerns to improve mens' physical and emotional health
By Adam Lush
Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Features
Men who take care of themselves live healthier lives. Sometimes, men do not realize the impact that their health can have on their lives until poor health becomes a problem. To prevent the negative impact of poor health, "man up" and follow some of these simple, health-enhancing suggestions.
Healthy choices about what foods to eat play a vital role in the development and maintenance of good health. Men are more susceptible to social pressures and influences that encourage poor nutritional choices. The perception pervading society is that "manly" foods are those with high fat, high cholesterol, and high- calorie content. Healthy foods, such as salads, are perceived as more feminine choices. No wonder women live an average of six years longer than men.
Healthy men make informed decisions about the types of food they eat. It is important to get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Adding some of these healthy foods to a male's plate each meal can make a big difference in the long run. Reducing the amount of foods high in saturated fat and sodium will aid in preventing the development of health problems later in life, such as heart disease and cancer. Eating healthy also helps a person to look and feel good.
When men do not feel well, they are sometimes reluctant to seek medical attention or emotional support. The erroneous perception that "real men" do not need help dealing with health issues, both physical and mental, leads to poor health. In some cases, it may even be life threatening.
"Man up" and get checked out when something does not feel right. Take a trip to the Student Wellness Center on campus or to a doctor's office. Medical professionals there can provide with students a free flu shot, check out illnesses, and do screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STI's).
In between visits to a doctor, check yourself out. Testicular cancer is a young man's disease; most patients are between the ages of 15 and 40. Thirty years ago, testicular cancer killed 90 percent of men who developed the cancerous cells. Today, due to advances in medical technologies combined with early detection, the cure rate for the same cancer is 90 percent.
Healthy choices about what foods to eat play a vital role in the development and maintenance of good health. Men are more susceptible to social pressures and influences that encourage poor nutritional choices. The perception pervading society is that "manly" foods are those with high fat, high cholesterol, and high- calorie content. Healthy foods, such as salads, are perceived as more feminine choices. No wonder women live an average of six years longer than men.
Healthy men make informed decisions about the types of food they eat. It is important to get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Adding some of these healthy foods to a male's plate each meal can make a big difference in the long run. Reducing the amount of foods high in saturated fat and sodium will aid in preventing the development of health problems later in life, such as heart disease and cancer. Eating healthy also helps a person to look and feel good.
When men do not feel well, they are sometimes reluctant to seek medical attention or emotional support. The erroneous perception that "real men" do not need help dealing with health issues, both physical and mental, leads to poor health. In some cases, it may even be life threatening.
"Man up" and get checked out when something does not feel right. Take a trip to the Student Wellness Center on campus or to a doctor's office. Medical professionals there can provide with students a free flu shot, check out illnesses, and do screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STI's).
In between visits to a doctor, check yourself out. Testicular cancer is a young man's disease; most patients are between the ages of 15 and 40. Thirty years ago, testicular cancer killed 90 percent of men who developed the cancerous cells. Today, due to advances in medical technologies combined with early detection, the cure rate for the same cancer is 90 percent.
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