Happy Healthy Father’s Day.
Happy Father’s Day to all guys out there – fathers, non-fathers and fathers to be.
Today we mark and appreciate the benefits of good fatherhood.
This should be celebrated the more as many people have not received the privilege to have a positive father figure in their lives at one point or another.
Focus should be on Dads and how good they are; but I also want to ask the men to give back to their own families today - that gift of their own health consideration - keeping themselves healthy and taking steps to prevent certain illnesses.
So I present to you, dear reader, above picture of a young male in his prime - I will call him 'Mr Man', for our purposes today.
Join me in considering the picture of 'Mr Man'; enjoying Father’s Day, earning his well deserved ‘Me’ time.
But while this cuts a picture of ease and relaxation - sitting on the sofa, remote in hand, enjoying a cigarette while maybe catching a football game.
Add to that and complete the picture of pleasure - grilled meat dish ready to be washed down with a golden mug of beer - but really there are elements in the photo that point directly to preventable illness.
First, Inactivity.
The typical couch potato act. Infrequent exercise here represented by the couch and remote look can contribute to several medical problems including Obesity, Heart Disease and Diabetes (just naming a few). Regular exercise keeps your weight down and reduces blood pressure, joint problems and a host of other medical ills.
Secondly, Smoking.
Nigeria recently announced new regulations in the Nigerian Tobacco Control Act aimed at curbing the harmful effects of smoking.
We know that smoking is associated with damage of the vital organs of the body and is associated with Lung cancer, breathing problems and heart disease. It also complicates the health problems that people with Diabetes can have. In other words, far from being a relaxing activity, smoking does kill.
Thirdly, Alcohol.
Watch this carefully. Excess alcohol consumption does cause significant damage to the liver, but additionally can contribute to heart and kidney problems.
And finally diet - there is a lot of evidence that shows that red meat consumption in excessive amounts is associated with lots of medical problems – these can range from heart, liver and kidney disease.
In addition smoked foods have been associated with some forms of cancer- breast and stomach.
So, the message this Father’s Day is eat and enjoy, but be more health conscious. Can you see yourself (or your father, son, brother friend or other relative? in that photo?
Sudden Deaths are on the increase and many times we do not know the cause. However we do know that diseased hearts, blood vessels and other vital organs can be related.
Managing these issues highlighted by our 'Mr Man' in this photo can prevent diseases which could lead to Sudden Death.
If you pick up any thing else, please share in the comments area.
Stay Well.
Editing by AskAwayHealth Team Disclaimer All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners on a wide range of health care conditions to provide evidence based guidance and to help promote quality health care. The advice in our material is not meant to replace management of your specific condition by a qualified health care practitioner. To discuss your condition, please contact a health practitioner or reach us directly through info@askawayhealth.org
