Throughout June, Men’s Health Month focuses on improving the lifestyles of men. While there are several approaches to improving overall health, diet and exercise are the targets of any changes.
All month long, community events and clinics take place to increase awareness of the leading health concerns men face. It’s important to encourage the men in our lives to get regular checkups and be aware of the risks for their age, ethnicity, and lifestyle.
National Blood Pressure Education Month in May provides awareness regarding hypertension.
Many people don’t even know they have high blood pressure. Symptoms of hypertension often go unnoticed and if left uncontrolled the risk of heart problems such as stroke or heart attack increase.
It’s important to know your numbers. When blood pressure is measured, the upper number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The lower number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure between heartbeats. For most people, a normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
HISTORY
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created National High Blood Pressure Education Month, and it is recognized by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
During May, have your blood pressure checked. You can either schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or visit a local pharmacy that does blood pressure readings. If your blood pressure is elevated, it may be time for a physical. Some medications increase blood pressure. Lifestyle can be a factor, too.
Every year in May, Global Employee Health and Fitness Month aims to improve the health of the global workforce. Through initiatives and helpful programs, the campaign encourages employers to engage their employees in healthful activities. It also provides a variety of wellness and fitness programs to complement already existing programs. Employers with wellness programs have healthier employees who are more productive. Wellness programs reduce overall healthcare costs and reduce illness and injury.
Employees who participate in wellness programs have lower stress levels, better overall health, and improved confidence, too. Challenge employees to pair up with partners to take the stairs or go for a walk on their lunch break. Take stretch breaks and eat healthy meals. Make sure to get plenty of rest and track your exercise, too. Join the movement and encourage others to join you.
GLOBAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND FITNESS MONTH
The National Association for Health and Fitness launched the observance in 1989 to encourage employers to invest in their employees’ health. Each year the campaign has grown from a national observance to a now global event.
Employers can participate by offering wellness programs and incentives to employees who participate. Create challenges and opportunities to encourage employees to be physically active and focus on their health. Employees, encourage your employer to join the movement. Other ways to participate include:
Invite other co-workers to join you for a walk on your lunch break
Choose the farthest parking space or walk to work
Take the stairs
Use a standing desk
Participate in desk exercises
Use #EmployeeHealthAndFitnessMonth to share on social media.
American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March. This one-day “wake-up call” informs the American public about the seriousness of diabetes and encourages all to take the diabetes risk test and learn about your family’s history of diabetes.
Diabetes Facts:
Diabetes impacts approximately 34.2 million Americans. That’s about 10.5 percent of the U.S. population.
Of those living with diabetes, 7.3 million – 1 in 7 adults – don’t know they have it.
The risk of developing diabetes increases with age. But there are other factors, too. Ethnic background may increase your risk.
An additional 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year.
There are two types of diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes is not as preventable, it can be managed well with insulin injections. Managing Type 1 diabetes might also require frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Education is key to learning how to manage symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 is much more preventable, and some actions can be taken.
Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes:
Eliminate sugar and refined carbs
Work out regularly and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
Make water the primary beverage
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Eat a high fiber diet
Optimize Vitamin D levels
Take natural herbs, such as curcumin and berberine, that increase insulin sensitivity
Type 2 diabetes is not preventable for everyone. However, making healthy choices provides the best chance of not getting it. In the United States, 9 out of every 10 cases of diabetes can be avoided if the above lifestyle changes are implemented. Families, schools, workplaces, communities, and healthcare providers can all work together to make healthy choices easy ones.
The observance encourages you to discover if you or loved ones are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Consider taking this fast and easy Diabetes Risk Test.
My husband and I both developed type 2 through family history and other medical complications. We use a carb counting diet every day to help control blood sugars. Our hard work has kept us from escalation to being insulin injection dependent. Taking control of your family’s health can help prevent serious diabetic problems.
I implore people to learn about this and thier health in general. The best advocate for your health is you. While most professionals give excellent care believe me when I say not all are the same. When it comes to your body, you are the best able to tell what works and what does not. This information can be vital to help medical professionals do their job.
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY HISTORY
The American Diabetes Association created Alert Day as part of its awareness programs in 1986. It has been a part of their growing diabetes education and prevention efforts in the United States ever since.
HOW TO OBSERVE #AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay
Learn your risk factors. Speak with your doctor and have your blood sugars tested.
Use #AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay to post on social media to share the news about the opportunities all have to check and manage their health risks.
