From 14 to 20 June, the UK marks Men’s Health Week, and I think it’s the perfect opportunity to have an honest conversation.
Over the years, I’ve noticed something.
Women are generally much better at talking about their health. They’ll book appointments, discuss symptoms with friends and look for ways to improve their wellbeing.
Many men do the opposite.
They carry on.
They ignore the warning signs.
They convince themselves that putting on a bit of weight is normal, that feeling exhausted is part of getting older and that a takeaway and a pint after a stressful day won’t do any harm.
And if you ask them how they are, the answer is usually the same.
“I’m fine.”
But are you?
The statistics tell a different story.
Men in the UK die, on average, almost four years earlier than women. They are more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, liver disease, respiratory conditions and suicide. They are also less likely to visit their GP, attend health checks or seek help until a problem has become impossible to ignore.
The good news is that much of this is preventable.
As many of you know, I’m Sardinian, and I grew up in one of the world’s Blue Zones where men continue to walk, garden, work, laugh and enjoy life well into their nineties. They don’t spend their lives looking for miracle supplements or the latest diet. They simply follow habits that have stood the test of time.
They eat mostly plants.
Beans, lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, fruit, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil are everyday foods.
They walk every day.
They stay connected with family and friends.
They keep learning, contributing and moving.
It isn’t complicated, but it is consistent.
So before Men’s Health Week begins, I’d like to encourage every man reading this to make a promise to himself.
Book that health check.
Have your blood pressure measured.
Know your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Eat more plants and fewer processed foods.
Move every day.
Sleep properly.
And if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.
Looking after your health isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and the people who love you.
Because your family doesn’t just want you to live longer.
They want you to live well.
Prevention rather than cure.
Milvia Pili
Functional Nutritional Therapist
