5 Tips for Men’s Health

June is National Men’s Health Month! Men’s Health Month is about encouraging men to care for their bodies by exercising, eating right, and taking steps to prevent disease. 

Here are five tips to get you started:

1. Tweak your diet. Focus on adding more veggies, leafy greens, nuts, and berries to support brain health and boost fiber intake. Add lean protein options like salmon and turkey to meet your protein needs.

2. Set some goals. Think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or eat more vegetables? Set small and attainable goals and consider working with a registered dietitian or doctor to make them a reality.

3. Get Active! Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to be healthier. Moving more is a great start. A walk around the block is an easy way to begin. It’s okay to start slow and gradually build a routine that works for you.

4. Be informed about common health issues that are specific to men. Learn more about your health, know your numbers, and schedule an appointment with your doctor to monitor your weight, blood pressure, and other numbers like cholesterol and glucose to name a few. 

5. Don’t ignore your mental health! Be open to speaking with your doctor or a mental healthcare professional if you need to.

Bonus Tip:  Eating a variety of nutritious foods can support overall health. Here is a list of foods to start eating more often or incorporating into your diet:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Add more berries for heart and brain health.
  • Frozen and low-sodium canned vegetables are good options also.
• Whole-grain products, such as brown rice and whole-grain breads
• Fiber-rich foods, such as beans and leafy greens
  • Beans are a great plant-based protein and fiber source.
• Lean cuts of meat and poultry, such as skinless chicken breast and lean ground beef
• Fish, such as salmon
  • Include sardines, tuna, and other fatty fish to increase your intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Nuts and seeds
  • Eating a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds daily may improve heart health.

Bottom line: Your health matters. Invest in yourself and make healthy living decisions to support your health and wellness for a lifetime.  

Get more information to help support your health on the following websites:

• https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mens-health/index.html
• https://menshealthmonth.org
• https://msdh.ms.gov
• https://www.eatright.org/for-men
• https://mentalhealthms.com/find-services
• https://988lifeline.org

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

For more helpful tips like these and healthy recipe options, visit extension.msstate.edu and join our MSU Nutrition and Wellness FB group.