Men's Health

MEN’S HEALTH

Interestingly Aristotle’s emphasis on what people do is much sharper than what they think. He said, “You are what you habitually do.” He did not say, “You are what you sometimes do,” but habitually do. A habit, of course, is a result of your embodied thought (Solomon’s’ “As a man thinks in his heart”); not just any casual thought that crosses your mind like clouds in the sky. It is well known that men are much more reluctant to check with the doctor on health matters than are women.

Today, women are outliving men in every country in the world. That's right: According to the latest U.S. report, life expectancy for the women is 81.2 years compared to 76.4 years for males.

Studies show behavior, and not biology, is the culprit.

The Mayo Clinic thinks men can take charge of their health by making better choices:

1. Don't smoke or use other tobacco products, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution and chemicals, such as those in the workplace.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and sodium.

3. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess pounds — and keeping them off — can lower your risk of heart disease as well as various types of cancer.

4. Get moving. Exercise can help you control your weight, lower your risk of heart disease and stroke and possibly lower your risk of certain types of cancer. Choose activities you enjoy, such as tennis, basketball or brisk walking. All physical activity benefits your health.

5. Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.

6. Manage stress. If you feel constantly on edge or under pressure, your lifestyle habits may suffer — and so might your immune system. Take steps to reduce stress — or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.

7. Stop avoiding the doctor.

The bottom line

Understanding health risks is one thing. Taking action to reduce your risks is another. Start by making healthy lifestyle choices. The impact might be greater than you will ever know.

Here, simply thinking about your health without acting is a misuse of thought. Take action. No one can satisfy his hunger by merely thinking of food. The act of eating completes the thought. The truth about your life lies in the proper relationship between good positive thought and right action.

Blessing:

May your commitment to think good positive thoughts match your need to act upon them.