Your family's health is one of your top priorities, yet helping your husband keep his heart healthy can be a challenge. Learn how to help him make heart-friendly choices when he’s at work or out with friends, and find a few fun and inexpensive ways to keep you both young at heart.
Men & Maintenance
Most men understand the need for preventative maintenance when it comes to their car, truck or house, but they seem to forget the need for routine medical care when it comes to their own health. The fact is, men need a little maintenance to stay in shape. The heart and body are just like any other finely tuned machine; perform preventative care and routine inspections to keep them running smoothly. Men should have a regular physical examination that includes:
- Total cholesterol levels plus LDL and HDL levels
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Heart rate/pulse
- Baseline blood test and EKG
Friends & Family
Research has shown married men live longer than their single counterparts. Not only does marriage give men longevity, but, contrary to popular opinion, they're also happier. Married men tend to stay in closer contact with family, friends, adult children and other meaningful relationships. Friends, family and even pets provide social support, companionship, laughter and love — vital ingredients to maintaining a physically and emotionally healthy heart.
In addition, many studies reveal that consistent exercise throughout life keeps all muscles strong, including the heart, and helps maintain good body balance. Men with stronger muscles and balance are better protected from harmful falls and debilitating injuries that can compromise quality of life.
Rest & Relax
Men require a moderate level of rest and relaxation to maintain proper heart health. Those with high-stress lifestyles or long hours of work sometimes find it hard to transition between work and home. Help your mate find his own piece of mind by encouraging him to take a quiet walk when he first comes home from work. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day and leaves him better prepared to tackle the responsibilities waiting for him at home.
Calories & Cholesterol
Teach your husband how to make healthy food choices. Many men are under the impression that low-calorie alternatives or heart-healthy menus lack of taste. Introduce nutritious alternatives at home, then point out healthier options when he’s away from home. Common calorie and cholesterol culprits from the vending machine are easy to replace. Try sparkling water instead of soda or granola bars instead of cookies. When preparing meals at home, make a point of sharing your healthier cooking tips with him. Not only does this show how much you care, but it provides the information your husband needs to make healthy choices when out and about with friends or on business trips.
Vigor & Vitality
Spending quality time with your spouse is one of the best ways to maintain heart health at any age; not only does it provide much needed socialization but laughter and love keep you both young at heart. Plan weekly outings to a favorite scenic destination or even just a short walk after dinner. Outdoor activity increases the absorption of Vitamin D (good for heart health) and helps maintain proper weight and cardiovascular fitness.
Staying young at heart doesn’t have to cost a lot. Just make it a priority to spend time together doing the things you love the most. Explore new places, revisit old stomping grounds and try something new on a regular basis to retain that vigor and vitality well into your golden years.
