Father’s Day is the perfect time to remind your dad that you love him and that you want him to be around for a long time. This year, take inspiration from the following ideas and find a healthy gift for dad. Maybe you could take him for a hike, cook him a healthy meal, or get him a massage! No matter what, make sure he knows how important his health is to you and encourage him to take steps to improve and maintain it. Here are a few health tips for all the dads, grandpas, uncles, husbands, and friends out there:
Get enough sleep. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Simply put, chronic lack of sleep leads to depression and disease. Make whatever changes are necessary to allow yourself enough time for sleep.
Exercise more. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week. Walking, hiking, swimming, even mowing the lawn all count toward this goal. Just don’t forget to stretch afterwards!
Eat a healthy diet. Forget the fad diets. The truth about a healthy diet is simple: lots of fresh veggies, fruits, and whole grains; some lean protein and healthy fats; very little salt, sugar, or processed foods. Stick to those rules and you’ll reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.
Protect your skin. It is summertime once again and time to protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There seems to be an attitude among many men that sunscreen is somehow not masculine. Well, it’s time to get over that ridiculous idea! Sunscreen is simply a way to protect your largest organ from radiation that can cause cancer. Look for an SPF of at least 30 and reapply as directed on the package.
Go to the doctor! Men are statistically less likely to seek medical care than women are, putting them at greater risk for many preventable diseases. It is important to get regular checkups, screenings, and dental exams because it is very possible to feel perfectly fine even when you have conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or the early stages of diabetes. Regular medical care helps to catch the first signs of health issues before they interfere with your life.
Reduce stress. Excessive stress is detrimental to your mental, emotional, and physical health. Meditation, hobbies, exercise, and regular social time can all help to mitigate stress. Another great option is massage therapy which can help to calm your mind as well as reduce physical manifestations of stress such as muscle tension and high blood pressure.