Helping Men Make Changes for Better Health

Though Father's Day was noted for more than 50 years, it was not an official nationwide holiday, until 1972. President Nixon signed the law making the third Sunday in June, the day to celebrate the contribution that fathers and father figures make in their children's lives. Fathers and father figures have a significant impact on the well-being of their children and families. And it's important that folks in a father's circle focus some attention on keeping dads and surrogate dads healthy.

Studies indicate that men who have women in their lives who are actively involved in their health are living longer than those who are not connected to a significant other, wife, daughter, mom, sister or friend. Men can face several health issues, but prostrate health is one that typically affects men as they age. The risk of an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, increases about 4 percent a year after age 55. By age 60, half of men will have BPH. That number jumps to 95 percent by age 85.

A healthy diet is one of the factors that can affect numerous health issues including prostrate health. Now you know my mantra is to eat a variety of healthy foods making wise choices. "There is not one food that is all good or all bad for you." Following are suggestions of foods to include on the menu to keep that man on track for good better or his best health.

• Choose unsaturated fats such as those in in fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
• Cook with olive, canola or sunflower oils
• Include omega-3 fatty acids in the weekly diet --they are found in salmon, mackerel, sardines and rainbow trout. Choose whole grains foods-- whole wheat bread, quinoa, and brown rice
• Choose protein foods such as beans and lentils, tofu, Greek yogurt, and low fat cheeses.
• Add a variety of colorful of fruits and vegetables to meals. Tomatoes, broccoli, pomegranates, blueberries, beets, watermelon, and strawberries are excellent choices.
• Limit or avoid refined and processed foods-donuts, white rice, white flour
• Limit alcohol intake
• Drink plenty of water, about 8 to 10 glasses daily

In addition to adjustments in the diet, the following guidelines will also be an aid to keeping him in good health.

• Help him find a health care provider that he feels comfortable and encourage him schedule and keep regular office visits.
• Make sure he knows his important health numbers, such as his blood pressure, cholesterol levels, risks of diabetes, etc. Help him set up a file for all test results at home, as well as at your doctor's office.
• Know as much about family health history as possible. Health history can be an important indicator of health risks. Heart disease, diabetes, and cancers such as colorectal and prostate cancer can run in families.

Now if your favorite man resists suggestions to make changes for a healthier lifestyle just remind him gently it's all about love.