Awareness for Men’s Health and Alzheimer’s Disease
by Cow Creek Umpqua Public Health
June was the awareness month for both Alzheimer’s Disease and men’s health. Please review the information below and spread the word with others to increase awareness.
Healthy Habits for Your Brain
These habits, shared by the Alzheimer’s Association, can lower the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia. Start now; it’s never too late!
Protect Your Head: Prevent head injuries by wearing a helmet while biking, and wear your seatbelt while driving. Try to prevent falls, especially for older adults.
Challenge Your Mind: Learning a new skill, attending education, and trying new things can have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.
Be Smoke Free: Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline. It’s never too late to stop.
Get Moving and Eat Right: Engage in regular exercises—even walking or gardening—that raise heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain and body. Eating healthier foods, such as more vegetables and leaner meats/proteins, as well as less-processed foods and lower in fat. Exercise and a good diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, control your blood pressure, and help with managing diabetes, which all improve brain health.
Sleep Well: Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed, and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible. Consult a health professional about sleep apnea or other problems that interfere with sleep.
Learn more at alz.org/healthy habits
Improving Men’s Health
Did you know the life expectancy for U.S. men is nearly six years less than women?
Men are more likely to die from chronic and serious diseases like:
• Heart disease: Nearly 350,000 men die of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
• Cancer: Men have a higher rate of cancer than women, say to the Centers for Disease Control.
• Mental Health: Men die by suicide nearly four times as often as women, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The good news? There are simple ways to address common issues, such as:
• Routine health screenings and checkups: Catch signs of serious illness before they become deadly, to greatly improve chances to recover.
• Lifestyle Choices: Eating healthier, exercising, getting enough sleep, and drinking in moderation can guard your health.
• Mental Health Support: Men often fear judgment when facing mental health challenges. Remember, you’re not alone; help is available. Encourage the men in your life to seek out help for issues.
