Men's Health Week

The week leading up to Father’s Day, June 10-16, is National Men’s Health Awareness Week.  It is a time to focus on getting and/or keeping yourself or the man in your life healthy.  Weight-related diseases are a growing cause of men’s health issues.

What kinds of health problems are linked to excess weight?

·         type 2 diabetes

·         high blood pressure

·         heart disease and strokes

·         certain types of cancer

·         sleep apnea

·         osteoarthritis

·         fatty liver disease

·         kidney disease

The table and graph below illustrate the significant increase in the percentage of overweight males in the 35-44 years category.

*Body mass index (BMI) equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

(Source CDC:  Data are based on measured height, without shoes, and weight of a sample  of the civilian non-institutionalized population.)

**Age-adjusted to the year 2000 standard population using five age groups:20-34 years,    35-44 years, 45-54 years, 55-64 years, and 65 years and over

Closely linked to weight issues, is lack of physical activity.  Recommendations from the CDC are as follows:

Recommended Scenarios	Aerobic Activity	Amount/Week		Muscle Strengthening	Frequency/Week
1	Moderate Intensity	2 hours,30 minutes		All major muscle groups	2 or more days
2	Vigorous Intensity	1 hour, 15 minutes		All major muscle groups	2 or more days
3	Combined Intensity	Up to 2 hours,30 minutes		All major muscle groups	2 or more days

Proper nutrition also plays an important part in maintaining a healthy weight.  Here are the guidelines for the average adult daily 2000 calorie intake:

·         6 ounces of whole grains,

·         2 and ½ cups of vegetables,

·         2 cups fruit,

·         3 cups low fat dairy, and

·         5 and ½ ounces of lean protein

With diligent efforts to keep active and eat properly any man can optimize his chances for good










































health.