June is Men’s Health Month. Your first instinct in thinking about men’s health might be to look to physical differences between men and women. But in fact, health trends like men’s different life expectancies or instances of heart disease have much more to do with the way many men think.
The good news about men’s health is how much the same health practices make a difference across the different conditions that affect men. Eating fruits, vegetables and lean proteins; eating Omega 3-rich foods like fish and olive oil; avoiding too much sodium; getting exercise, managing stress, and quitting smoking help prevent everything from heart disease to some cancers, while also helping you feel healthier and happier.
We need Men’s Health Month to start conversations. Some men will find this dialogue new or uncomfortable, but the payoff is building a pathway to healthy trust.