The top 5 health tips for men

(BPT) –  

Women are 100 percent more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventative services than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The month of June is dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health, and a key component is focusing on prevention through a healthy lifestyle.

Ted Harper’s health tips for men

During the off season, Ted Harper, Team Sports Dietitian for the New England Patriots is busy meeting the nutritional needs of his elite athletes, but he also has some advice for the everyday man during June Men’s Health Month.

Eat for your heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, which is why preventative measures through nutrition and physical activity are extremely important. Scientific research suggests that pistachios support a strong heart and healthy blood vessels. In fact, research suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may lower the risk of heart disease.

Move every day

Exercise not only helps you to look and feel better, it may also help to slow down the aging process, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2008. Whether you bike, run or enjoy a game of neighborhood football, getting active and eating right is the key to better health.

Eat for your love life

Men who added pistachios to their diet for three weeks improved markers of erectile function, according to a study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research. Additional studies are needed to further support these results, but in the meantime, why not reach for the little green snack that most men love? Pistachios are a one-stop-shop for overall nutrition with 3 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein and 11 grams of heart healthy fat per serving, which is 49 nuts.

Know your numbers

Both high cholesterol and high blood pressure can cause significant heart damage before producing noticeable symptoms. Get regular blood tests, and know your numbers, so that you can take action if you find either level is elevated.

Hit the sack

It is recommended that adults clock between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. Lack of sleep can make you feel sluggish and grumpy, inhibit your productivity, and it has also been linked to larger waistlines and other health consequences, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

The top 5 health tips for men