3 Wellness Tips For Men’s Health Month

With an ongoing global pandemic, it might be hard to focus on the routine things we all need to be doing to maintain our overall health. But it’s important now more than ever to be aware of health and wellbeing. “Talk about being pushed off your footing when it comes to healthy behaviors,” says Dr. Cory Fisher, a family physician with the Cleveland Clinic. “It’s really required us to think outside the box and use creativity when it comes to getting that regular exercise.” Fisher offers up three tips on how men can keep their health in mind.

Maintain a healthy diet. Hello fruits, veggies and grains! Healthier foods fill your body with antioxidants and vital nutrients that lower rates of disease and help with maintenance of your body. Even amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Fisher sees a trend of his patients thinking about their health because they’re cooking at home more. “There are people that have used [coronavirus] as an opportunity to really engage more healthily, which has been really positive,” he says.

Get physical. Cardiovascular exercise is beneficial because it maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood. But putting down the video game controller and going out to get your heart pumping might be easier said than done when it comes to motivation. “Having some sort of accountability on a daily or weekly basis is really essential when it comes to getting that regular exercise,” Fisher notes. Whether it’s an app or exercise group, make sure to set a schedule for yourself. And if you’re worried about gym closings and sports being delayed, get creative with it by playing with your kids or moving along to an exercise video.

Practice healthful behavior. Drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking are never going to going to go out of style when it comes to preventing disease and promoting health. But being mindful about mental health is also incredibly important. Self-care matters, both physically and emotionally. “[Men] historically struggle with opening up and admitting when they need help or have a problem,” says Fisher. Especially now, he encourages both men and women who feel like they’re struggling to reach out to doctors and talk with their families. “It’s going to become a real issue as we move forward if we don’t address it,” says Fisher.