International Men’s Health Week is celebrated in several countries in the week leading up to and including Father’s Day. The purpose of the designation is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of
International Men’s Health Week is celebrated in several countries in the week leading up to and including Father’s Day. The purpose of the designation is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. There are now hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.
The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some snappy activity suggestions for celebrating National Men’s Health Week, June 15-21. Some of their suggestions are: Take a bike ride. Use less salt. Try more veggies. Get good sleep. Toss the tobacco. Move more. Eat healthy. Tame the stress. All their suggestions can be found at their Men’s Health Week website at www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw/ which is replete with links to more in-depth discussions of sub-topics related to each of these pointers. It is a well-rounded online resource for men’s health.
You can also browse the very popular health books in the adult non-fiction section at your public library. There are many choices on how to get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle, how to approach and mitigate chronic problems, and informational materials on specific health issues. You will also find materials on anatomy and physiology, mind-body wellness, traditional and alternative treatments, drugs, herbs and supplements, and personal stories about sickness and health. Here are a couple of inspirational reads for taking control of your health.
Mastering the Life Plan
The Essential Steps to Achieving Great Health and a Leaner, Stronger, and Sexier Body
By Jeffry S. Life, M.D., Ph.D.
Adult Non-Fiction 613.04234 Li
Dr. Life combines proven science with the message that it’s never too late to transform your body. His book distills his program into a simple format that men of any age can customize for their individual needs. This updated version sports new exercises and advice that is a companion for the road. Part One outlines a three-level eating program to reverse or avoid disease. Part Two outlines an exercise program that incorporates cardiovascular workouts, and resistance training, with balance and stretching. Included is a method to track your progress. Part Three features tools to follow the Life Plan long term. Information about correcting hormone deficiencies based on the observable results from medical practice and in peer-reviewed evidence-based scientific studies and how to get the most out of every doctor’s visit.
You Are Your Own Gym
The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises
By Mark Lauren
Adult Non-Fiction 613.713 La
Elite trainer Mark Lauren has physically prepared over one thousand special operations soldiers for active duty, getting them lean, strong and mission ready in record time. In this book he shares his do-anywhere simple exercises that require nothing more than the resistance of your own body weight to help reach top fitness. He shares his motivation techniques, expert training and nutrition advice to use just thirty minutes a day, four times a week. The 125 exercises work every muscle from the neck to the ankles. In black and white with clear photographs of all cleverly named exercises. Use the exercises to tailor a program for specific needs. There are also suggested 10-week programs for all levels of fitness. This is a no nonsense book that gets right to the point.
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Carolyn Larson is branch manager of the Lihue Public Library.
