Written by Catherine Nelson
Pitt Partners for Health is commemorating Men’s Health Month throughout the month of June. As we celebrate National Men’s Health month, we also reflect on the many men that are called “father” or “daddy” and recognize their special day on June 18th. I have prepared this men’s health article in the context of my father and me.
Growing up, I was a “daddy’s girl.” A quote from Clarence Budington Kelland describes my relationship with Daddy. “My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived, and let me watch him do it.” I grew up admiring my father’s compassion for the “least of these”, the manner in which he communicated with others, his love of the land and his country, his gift of quoting poetry, his endless energy, and his athletic prowess. As a member of the “Greatest Generation”, he did not adopt the philosophy of “self-care” since it seemed to be a luxury. As he aged, however, this philosophy took a toll on his health and well-being.
In my first year of college, Daddy suffered a heart attack at age 58. After undergoing cardiac bypass surgery, he began to see a cardiologist for follow-up. The cardiologist emphasized the importance of eating healthy, exercising, and reducing stress, but of course, Daddy was just too busy making a living and serving his community to make time for self-care and lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, he suffered a second heart attack fifteen years later and ironically had a second heart bypass surgery on Valentine’s Day. This event was a turning point for him, and for my mother who prepared his daily meals. We quickly learned that Daddy needed to adopt a regimen of self-care and possibly extend his life through necessary lifestyle changes.
Adopting healthy habits and self-care was still a challenge for a 73 year-old man, but Daddy wanted to improve his health and quality of life. His journey included the following lifestyle changes, and they are suggestions that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.
- Set aside time for physical activity each day. This helps to sharpen your focus, improves sleep, and releases hormones that make you feel good.
- Eat healthier at home, in meetings, and in restaurants, Control portion size, consume fresh fruits and vegetables at each meal, eat whole grains, limit fatty foods, select low-fat protein foods such as lean meat, fish and poultry, and low-fat dairy products, and reduce sodium intake.
- Choose a hobby that can help to reduce stress.
- Meditate, perhaps in the form of praying while listening to soothing music.
- Maintain relationships with friends and family.
- Schedule an annual visit with a primary health care provider.
As Father’s Day approaches, I am sure you are shopping for that perfect gift and place to celebrate your husband and/or your father’s big day. So,be intentional about selecting things that will help him to improve his health and quality of life. Cook a healthy meal for him, take a walk after lunch, purchase a music app with his favorite playlist, buy some hand weights, connect him with a lifestyle medicine coach, join him on his favorite hobby, and encourage him to schedule his annual physical exam. This applies to all men, not just fathers. Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!
This story is shared by Catherine Nelson, Senior Administrator for Community Health Programs at ECU Health. She is one of the founding members of Pitt Partners for Health.