Did you know that the average man in the United States dies five years earlier than their female counterpart? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death — heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.
June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues facing men. It’s also a time to encourage the men in your life to take care of themselves by eating well, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and making other smart choices to prevent long-term illnesses.
Let’s explore how to promote men’s health this Men’s Health Month.
1. Take Small Steps to Healthy Choices
Putting Men’s Health Month into practice doesn’t take a total health transformation. Instead, focus on encouraging small changes to improve the health of the men in your life.
Cooking healthy meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats — while limiting processed foods with sugar and sodium — can make a huge difference in your health. In fact, one study found that incorporating the right fruits and vegetables can even decrease your risk of cancer by 30 to 40%
Physical activity like walking, jogging, biking, hiking, swimming, strength training, flexibility exercises, and more can support your overall health. Over time, regular exercise can help you lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers.
2. Stay On Top of Screenings
Even if you feel fine, there could be underlying issues that only a doctor can recognize and diagnose. That’s why it’s so important to invest in preventative care. In addition to regular check-ups, men can check the National Foundation for Cancer Research guidelines for recommended screenings.
3. Participate in a Dry Week
Men are more likely to use tobacco and alcohol products — both of which can greatly increase the risk of developing cancer. In honor of Men’s Health Week, encourage the men in your life to join you in a dry week, or a week without tobacco and alcohol.
While it takes longer than a week to experience the full benefits of going without alcohol or tobacco, the week-long dry challenge can give you a taste of some of the benefits. For example, you may experience better sleep, higher energy levels, and more mental clarity.
4. Have Conversations About Mental Health
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men are less likely to seek treatment than women. Working through stress, trauma, and the struggles of day-to-day life is important — no one should have to do it alone.
This Men’s Health Month, break the stigma by starting open conversations about mental health with the men in your life. Beyond discussing their struggles with mental health, you can also explore ways to manage stress and how to build a supportive social network.
5. Incorporate Cannabis Wellness
Far from being just a recreational indulgence, cannabis holds promise as a wellness tool. Whether improving sleep, addressing chronic pain, or managing stress, the therapeutic properties of cannabis offer an alternative approach to wellness that’s worth exploring.
For Men’s Health Month, encourage the men in your life to explore the healing potential of cannabis. By integrating the right products into their health regimen, they can take proactive steps to enhance their physical and mental vitality.
Celebrating Men’s Health Month with Far & Dotter
Now that Men’s Health Month is in full swing, it’s essential to reflect on the importance of prioritizing your health. Small changes can lead to significant improvements in health over time — continuing the momentum into July and beyond.
This Men’s Health Month, it might be time to explore the therapeutic potential of cannabis. At Far & Dotter, we make wellness a priority in all of our products and offerings. Learn more about how weed and wellness combine, or take a look at our lineup of cannabis products today.
