Men’s Health Spring Cleaning

A friend of mine was preparing to sell his house, complaining about the long list of things he needed to do. After several weeks of repairing broken items, cleaning up years of clutter, and creating more curb appeal, he regretted not regularly addressing these issues for his own family’s benefit. Your health deserves the same efforts so that you can reap the benefits for the rest of your life. There’s no catching up as you enter each new phase of your life.

The Attic

Let’s start at the top, the ultimate clutter bin. Despite its essential role, your brain seldom receives the upkeep that it craves. Take time to relieve the cumulative stressors of daily life by prioritizing good sleeping habits, better time management, task delegation, regular exercise, and relationship building.

Quick tip: Keep a notepad on your nightstand to move any sleep-depriving thoughts from your mind to paper.

The Upper Level

There may be some steps to climb, but your heart and lungs are worth it. Commit to an exercise plan that adds daily movement. Identify and eliminate one unhealthy eating habit. If you’ve put off your annual health maintenance visit, pick up the phone.

Quick tip: Walk for 15 minutes before lunch or dinner; subconsciously, you will develop better eating habits.

The Main Floor

Sometimes what’s in plain sight is the easiest to ignore. When everything is working right, you may take things for granted. Avoid problems in the bedroom and bathroom by making sure you’re up-to-date with your prostate blood tests and colonoscopy.

Quick tip: See a urologist if trips to the bathroom interrupt your sleep more than once per night.

The Basement

Your house starts with a foundation and frame. Treat yourself to new athletic shoes every six months. Your feet and back will thank you.

Quick tip: If you spend most of your day hunched over a desk, stand and arch your back several times throughout the day.

If you’re missing a little “drive” in the garage, be sure to look for my article in the next issue, “A Men’s Health Independence Day,” discussing the ins and outs of testosterone.