Supporting the Care Takers In Our Lives: Men’s Health

With Father’s Day right around the corner, it is a great time to highlight the importance of men’s health and remind everyone that, despite contrary beliefs, men can experience anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, etc. When left unchecked, many of these can lead to chronic illnesses (like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disease) down the road, so there is no time better than the present to start focusing on your own health! And while our team of providers at Richmond Natural Medicine consists of women, that does not mean that we only provide care to women. Each of our providers is well-versed in ways to support the health and wellness of our male patients – from childhood to golden years!

Stress Support:

While it may be difficult for many to admit or see, elevated stress levels are often prevalent and are often left unsupported. For many different reasons, it is common for some men to feel like they do not need or do not deserve support in managing their stressors. It is important to know that no one is designed to carry significant stress on their own for long periods. This can take a significant toll on the body, both physically and emotionally. Daily grounding, mindfulness, exercise, and a healthy diet are all important things to incorporate into a daily routine to help manage stress. 

Sleep Support:

Adequate sleep is essential for everyone, and while many men may be accustomed to functioning on a few hours of sleep each night, eventually this will take a toll on the body. Good quality sleep every night is essential for optimal health and allows the body time to rest and recover after each day. Whether your job is mentally demanding, physically demanding, or both, your body and brain need and deserve plenty of rest. Setting a consistent sleep schedule and creating an optimal sleep environment are essential aspects of sleep hygiene that should be initiated right away, if you are not already doing this. 

Emotional Support:

Whether it’s anxiousness, depression, irritability, or anger, many men experience mood disturbances. Unfortunately, many have been told that it is not acceptable to ask for help with these feelings. This is not true – men need just as much help with mood and mental health as women, and they should not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Dietary changes, exercise, supplemental support, and healthy coping techniques are all essential for optimal health, and seeing a naturopathic doctor can help you identify different tools, coping mechanisms, and lifestyle modifications that may be helpful to utilize in your daily life. 

Future Fathers:

Are you planning on becoming a father in the future? There is no better time than the present to start preparing for fatherhood! There are several ways to help optimize fertility to improve outcomes. Focusing on a healthy diet (antioxidants, healthy fats, adequate protein), ensuring you get adequate sleep, and managing stressors appropriately (avoiding alcohol and other substances) are all excellent ways to optimize your fertility. A high-quality multivitamin is another excellent option when you are preparing for conception. 

If you are feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or stressed out by the demands of daily life, or if you are looking to optimize your health before having children, now is the time to start taking care of yourself! All of the providers at Richmond Natural Medicine work with men of all ages, and we are here to help make sure that you are able to thrive, not just survive, in your daily lives! And if you feel that you need additional support but are not quite ready to schedule an appointment, check out our online classes on anxiety and supporting a healthy nervous system! 

References

1. Chatmon BN. Males and Mental Health Stigma. Am J Mens Health. 2020;14(4):1557988320949322. doi:10.1177/1557988320949322