International Men's Day- 5 Fitness Tips For Men To Stay Healthy

Every year, November 19 is celebrated as International Men’s Day, a day to acknowledge men who are making a positive difference and to raise awareness of issues that affect men and boys on a global scale. Apparently, many are not aware of this day, unlike the International Women’s Day, which is well-known and celebrated in various countries around the world.

Apart from raising awareness of men’s issues, the aim of International Men’s Day is to celebrate positive male role models. November 19 coincides with the birthday of the father of Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a doctor from Trinidad and Tobago who relaunched International Men’s Day in 1999. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Positive Male Role Models’. On International Men’s Day, we highlight some of the most important health tips that men can follow for a healthier, fitter life.

* Start your day off right

Instead of immediately checking your phone for messages or work mail as soon as your eyes open, try to detach yourself from technology - at least for the first hour of your day to help you kickstart the day with a positive focus.

* Eat breakfast

Ensure that you eat a healthy breakfast consisting of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The benefits of eating a high-quality breakfast are well-known -- it can help improve weight loss, boost short-term memory, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, and even make you happier.

* Consume more whole foods

Make sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet to reduce your risk of heart disease, one of the leading causes of death for men. Choosing a variety of different colours of foods is an easy way to supplement your body with the nutrients it requires.

* Move more

Research suggests that getting just 30 minutes of moderate activity a day can help improve your health, including your heart health. Whether it’s on the weekend or throughout the day, you should try getting moderate exercise (power walking, jogging or swimming) for 150 minutes or vigorous exercise for at least 75 minutes a week.

* Quit smoking

Whether it’s cigarette, vape, or chewing tobacco, research suggests that tobacco and the additional chemicals in cigarettes can cause many diseases, including high blood pressure, lung cancer, and more. Tobacco is also linked to poor mental health. Studies have shown that people who quit smoking have less anxiety, depression and stress and improved positive mood and quality of life compared with those who continue to smoke.