5 minute read
Wellbeing
Six Top Tips for Mens Health
Having recently been so focused on women’s health, this month it’s all about the guys! Statistically men are less likely to lead healthy lives, and are more likely to smoke, drink and have heart and obesity related conditions. 1 in 5 will die before the age of 65. For the male population the main cause of death is heart disease, closely followed by cancer, but in the under 45’s it is, quite shockingly, suicide. Fortunately men’s health is increasingly in the spot light, and awareness is being driven through the media with events such as Movember, International Men’s Day and Men’s Health Week. Take action now to improve your health and reduce your risk of premature illness or death. It’s never too late, just start where you are. My top 6 tips for improving men’s health are: 1. Physical fitness. Your healthy lifespan is directly related to the level of activity you do. It really doesn’t matter what you do, just do some form of cardio and strengthening fitness daily. It could be anything from gardening, walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, competitive sports or DIY. Ensure regular strengthening activities to maintain muscle mass and testosterone levels.
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If you are struggling to keep fit due to pain or injury, then please do get in touch, we can guide you with your recovery and provide rehab exercise programs. 2. Mental fitness. Your mind is as important as your body, keep it fit with regular socialising, board games and stimulating activities, use mediation or mindfulness to relax, and if you are feeling frequently low, flat, unmotivated, have anxious or harmful thoughts, speak to someone. Check out the awesome charities below… 3. Ensure daily exposure to sunlight, especially first thing in the morning. It sets the natural rhythms of your body for the rest of the day. Including helping you sleep better. 4. Sleep better! Prioritise sleep. You need at least 8 hours. Start your wind down at least an hour before bed, have a warm bath or shower, then turn off any blue light sources, such as daylight bulbs and screens, light the fire or a candle. Avoid caffeine after midday and don’t eat just before bed. 5. Check your bits. Regularly check your testicles for lumps and bumps and stay alert to any changes in bowel function, urination, erection or ejaculation. Night time urination and ‘stop-start’ pee could be a sign of an enlarged prostate. But the good news is that ejaculating a couple of times a week helps reduce prostate cancer and stress! 6. Eat a fresh whole-food diet, cooking from scratch whenever possible.
Aim for plenty of heart-healthy, antioxidant rich, colourful fruit and veg and avoid beige food! Eat plenty of organic animal or plant-based protein rich foods to provide the building blocks for muscle.
Supplement with fish oils, vitamin D and probiotics. For men suffering with long term chronic pelvic pain (CPPS), with symptoms such as genital or pelvic pain, pain or difficulty urinating and pain during or after ejaculation it is important to firstly check for infection, inflammation or cancer. Sometimes the cause is difficult to detect and may be related to tension in the pelvic floor or lower abdomen, and can also be anxiety or depression related. If all underlying conditions have been ruled out, symptoms may improve with some pelvic floor stretching and strengthening. Have a look at Dr Bri’s Vibrant Pelvic Health on You Tube and search for the men’s health related content, in particular this video guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyGEVPuumtk A quarter of all men said they wouldn’t talk to anyone about their mental health, siting embarrassment, appearance of weakness, or the negative stigma associated with it, as the top reasons. Most men would choose their partner as their confidante, but if this is not possible, here are the top charities dedicated to men’s health that I would recommend: Baggy Trousers, CALM, Blue Ribbon Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK. Men worry about wasting their GP’s time with these sorts of problems. However, depression and pelvic dysfunction are perfectly legitimate reasons to seek medical care. GP's spend about 30% of their time dealing with psychological issues and are well placed to refer onwards for further investigations and specialist care. Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com
Stockbridge Cinema
Friday 11 February 2022 7.30pm After Love (12A) Following the sudden death of her husband, Fahima (Joanna Scanlon), who converted to Islam for marriage, is shocked to discover that he appears to have led a double life and seems to have another family based in Calais. Fahima decides to travel to Calais and confront them about their connections to her late husband. (In English, French and Urdu with English subtitles)
Wednesday 16 February 2022 5.00pm and 7.30pm Nowhere Special (12A) John (James Norton), a 35-yearold window cleaner and single parent, devotes his life to raising his four-year-old son Michael. Their life is one of complete dedication and innocent love that reveals the strength of their relationship. However, John only has a few months to live. Since he has no family to turn to, he spends the days left to him looking for a perfect family to adopt his son.
Information common to all films: Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE. Tickets can be purchased online (£6.00 incl £0.50p booking fee per ticket) via www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (£1.80 charge per telephone booking in addition to the online ticket price). Visit our website for more details. Drinks and Ices will be on sale with payment by debit or credit card. Face coverings must be worn at all times (unless exempt or when eating or drinking).
www.river.dental or Call 01264 810818
……………………… …………...…………... kingfisher@river.dental
River Dental, 1 Clarendon Terrace, High St, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6EY
STOCKBRIDGE
OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE
Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy
Emma Wightman, registered osteopath and antenatal teacher. A gentle, hands on approach for newborns through to adulthood and in pregnancy. Also Massage Therapy Pilates, 1 to 1 and small group Homeopathy Naturopathy
Online Bookings available for Osteopathy and Massage via the website
