National Men’s Health Month is all about encouraging men to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and working to prevent disease. The purpose is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and depression. In this month’s Jewish Life magazine, read about the common health issues that are specific to men and how to prevent men from getting hurt!
Men: Live longer & stronger
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Men have a bad reputation of avoiding doctor visits until something is seriously wrong. How can men use their medical team to help stay healthy and prevent disease? Heart disease, cancer, stroke, unintentional injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes are leading causes of death and disability in men. There are also health conditions that primarily affect men, such as testicular and prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction (ED), and low testosterone. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active have a huge effect on your health and hormones. Obesity can lead to diabetes and decreased testosterone. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack and kidney problems. And taking blood pressure medications such as diuretics or beta blockers can lead to ED. Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s a good idea to get checked annually. Knowing your Ti m C h r i numbers can help you protect yourself and your family. All men should start prostate s to n ph o Xi screening at age 40, or younger if you have signs of prostate enlargement or increased frequency of urination. Suicide and depression are other leading men's health risks. Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. There is help if you’re feeling sad or hopeless and have decreased libido or loss of interest in normal activities. Your medical team can be your best ally for maintaining health with preventative care. Talk with your doctor to determine which screenings are right for you.
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Research supports that those who meditate, pray, or participate in spiritual activities have better attitudes, express more gratitude, mindfulness, and self-control, and experience greater emotional health and healthier interpersonal relationships. How can men connect to their spirituality through the lens of our Jewish heritage and tradition? The word Torah means “instruction,” and it provides guidance for our lives. In it are mitzvot which are commandments from G-d. In all, there are 613 commandments in the Torah that are comprised of ethical, social, and ritual issues for the basis of Jewish law. This includes physical things to do to become more spiritual. As exercise builds up our physical body, mitzvot build up our spiritual strength. By doing actions or refraining from doing something, we are building our spiritual health. Teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity) are important for all of us. For men, the mitzvot of putting on tefillin and wearing tzitzit can also provide options to nourish your soul, as well as your body. Co
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Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida 35
