Athletico Physical Therapy has joined the Movember Movement, an international campaign to encourage men to take care of their health. During November, now known as Movember, men are encouraged to grow moustaches to “change the face of men’s health.” Movember focuses on encouraging men to be alert to common men’s cancers and other conditions, and to practice overall healthy living.
“Men in the U.S. on average live five years less than women and are less likely to see doctors for check-ups,” said Neil Shapiro, physical therapist at Athletico. “There are many things men can do to improve their health and their life expectancy. Athletico has tips for healthy eating and exercise, injury prevention and overall good health habits.”
- Move your body – Men who spend five or more hours a day sitting are 34 percent more likely to develop heart disease than those who sit fewer than two hours a day. If you’re a stranger to exercise, a fitness coach can help you start a fitness program or work with you to make your current plan more effective. Athletico offers fitness coaching at five fitness centers. You also want to be sure any aches or pains aren’t serious, so before starting on a rigorous workout routine, sign up for a free injury screening at www.athletico.com/appointments.
- Schedule your annual checkup – It’s important to see a doctor regularly so you can discuss any health concerns, from physical ailments to mental health issues. Keep track of your important health numbers and be alert to any changes, including your body mass index (a number formulated from a person’s height and weight that is a reliable indicator of the amount of body fat the he or she has) and weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose (sugar).
- Understand prostate health – Talk to your doctor to see if you should have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test to check for prostate cancer. If you have had prostate cancer surgery or are having bladder control issues, an Athletico Men’s Health Therapist can help design a program for your recovery by focusing on pelvic health.
- Maintain a healthy weight – More than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are either obese (a body mass index of 30 or higher) or overweight (a body mass index between 25 and 29), putting them at increased risk for a number of serious health problems, from heart disease to stroke to diabetes to cancer. Aim for a diet focused on healthy fats, low carbohydrates and lots of fruits and vegetables to keep your weight in check.
In support of Movember, Athletico has formed the Athletimo’s, a team dedicated to raising awareness and money for men’s health. To join or donate to the Athletico Movember team, visit www.athletico.com/movember.
