By: Dr. Stan Headley
In the last decade, body positivity has been a hot topic – yes, even among men.
This newer era is responsible for coining the comical phrase, “dad bod.” A popular term used for the less-sculpted physique of a man who still practices a moderately active lifestyle. A national survey found that around 75% of participants favored the soft and round male body type, compared to a toned one.
All joking aside, this trend serves as an important reminder that you can achieve a happy, healthy lifestyle – regardless of age, shape or size.
A great way to feel comfortable in your own skin is to start from within and adopt new healthy habits.
A HEALTHY WAIST
While someone’s figure can’t properly determine their overall health, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says your waistline reveals more than you think.
Research suggests that a waist measuring more than 40 inches can be a cause for concern for obesity-related diseases. And often, larger waistlines mean higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
While a healthful diet and plenty of exercise are among the best strategies for weight management, other natural approaches like CBD and a daily probiotic can also play a role in promoting a balanced, healthy metabolism.
A VITAMIN-RICH DIET
Getting the necessary vitamins and minerals can help lower your chances of certain diseases. For example, a heart-healthy diet is vital and should include vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, such as fruits, leafy greens and whole grains. But meeting daily nutrient requirements can be difficult to achieve with today’s Western diet of processed foods.
One of the best ways to fill nutritional gaps and achieve optimal health is by taking a daily multivitamin and other beneficial supplements to assure you get the necessary amount of daily nutrition. Vitamins and supplements can help address specific conditions that are common among men, including heart and prostate disease, and can also support optimal aging, digestion, joint health and correcting nutrient depletions caused by medications.
For example, recent men’s studies show that vitamin D may help promote a healthier heart, slimmer waistline and thicker head of hair.
BREAK HARMFUL HABITS
Many major health risks can be prevented by breaking some of the most common yet harmful habits among men – bad diet, tobacco use, stress and over consumption of alcohol.
Harvard Medical School research shows that men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol, revealing 11.5% of males over age 12 have a substance use disorder, compared to 6.4% of females.
Tobacco cessation products such as gum and patches are available to help stop smoking. Men are also advised to limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day. Exercise and meditation also offer many health benefits, including stress relief.
GOOD SKINCARE PRACTICE
Men over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing one of the deadliest types of skin cancer, melanoma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. By age 65, men are twice as likely to get melanoma than women and three times more likely by the age of 80.
Other than daily use of good ole-fashioned sunscreen, Harvard research says that nicotinamide, or vitamin B3, has shown to reduce the number of serious skin cancers.
ROUTINE HEALTH CHECKS
Recent studies show that up to 60% of men are unlikely to seek medical care, even if they believe to have serious health risks.
Routine checkups are essential. It can play a big role in monitoring your weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as catching health risks early.
For example, testosterone in men play a major role in their sex drive, strength and energy, which can then create a domino effect of other issues, like depression and weight gain.
Seeking advice from a medical professional can help provide a variety of solutions – prescriptions, CBD or customized compound medications – to help boost testosterone levels in your body.
Be sure to speak with a health care professional before making any changes to your daily regimen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natural Health Consultant Dr. Stan Headley for Cypress Pharmacy is recognized as a leading authority in functional and natural wellness. To support patients with the nutrients needed to promote healthier living, Headley offers “Dr. Stan’s Daily Essentials,” a series of supplement packs designed for those with specific conditions including heart health, optimal aging, digestion, brain health and more. Headley does not diagnose or treat disease but educates customers about lifestyle and behavioral changes that can promote optimal health. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.
