June is Mens Health Month

​A note from the Health and Wellness Committee and Larry Roberts, FirstLight Home Care of
South Bay, on Mens Health Month. Happy Mens Health Month and Happy Father’s Day to all
the fathers (June 18 th) . Young or old, everyone can use the information presented at
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mens-health/, as it identifies 6 ways we can all live healthier
including “We will protect this heart”, ”Bro, you don't even have to lift”, ”Preventive
Maintenance”, “Quitting Time”, “Hey man, you good” and “Be #VaccineReady”.
For instance, “We will protect this heart” suggests we should eat more fruits and vegetables.
Whether you refer to a ‘pyramid’ or a ‘plate’ it is suggested that at least half your plate be fruits
and vegetables. Also be aware of how your food is prepared and try to reduce the bad fats during
preparation and in the making of sauces and gravies. If you think a supplement will help, please
check with your doctor and or nutritionist first. Fiber and vitamins help your whole health, so,
lets “Eat to Live”.

The second area addressed by the HHS is “Bro, you don’t even have to lift”. Young or old as
soon as you get done reading this article Get Up! Move around a bit, even as little as 30 minutes
of walking will help everything from digestion to balance and no lifting of weights are involved.
Before you start a more in-depth workout program you may want to clear it with your doctor
first. Be careful and go slow when starting and make sure you stretch before exercising, injuries
can be more costly than one would think. “Bro, get your heart pumping”.

“Preventive Maintenance” through regular visits to your doctor and dentist will help you identify
small problems before they become big ones. Many issues concerning our health, if caught in
time, can be cured, mitigated, or adapted to. A routine medical physical for all ages is
recommended before activity or exercise are begun. This helps to set your base lines so that
abnormal results can be identified, and treatment begun. With good health practices and

preventive visits to the doctor and dentist you will have a complete “Preventive Maintenance”
program in place.

There is a time for all things under the sun, if you smoke, vape or put anything else in your lungs
this is “Quitting Time”. Our lungs and heart work as a team to circulate the nutrients, oxygen
and other gases to every part of our body. Just like we need to eat healthily for our heart we need
to breathe clean for our lungs. So, if you don’t put anything beside air into your lungs, don’t
start, if you smoke, vape or whatever its time to stop. Easier said than done? Set a “Quitting
Time” date and stick to it. In addition, let those near you know for support and understanding.

Getting support and understanding is what “Hey Man you Good” is all about. Sometimes it’s
hard to show and discuss your feelings, founded or unfounded, even though it helps to let it out.
We sometimes need to talk before we can discuss and set new goals. If someone you care about
has been down for a period of time ask, “Hey Man you Good?” Help is available, just call 988 to
be connected to the Suicide and Crises help line, 24/7.

“Be Vaccination Ready” after the recent COVID 19 health emergency should be a no brainer you
say? Getting vaccinated is an individual choice that most find in the long run is better than not
being vaccinated and getting the disease. We ask that you be well educated, from multiple
sources, on what the vaccine is for, side effects and weigh the cost to you and your fellow human
beings on getting it or not. If not vaccinated from a particular disease try to stay away from areas
of the world where it is prevalent. “Being Vaccination Ready” means being educated from
multiple sources and when you decide to take the vaccine be comfortable in your decision.

Young or old, everyone has choices when it comes to their health. It can start with healthy heart,
lung and exercise habits, combined with preventative measures such as medical and /or, mental
services and vaccinations when needed. Hey man what are you waiting for? The Health and
Wellness committee and FirstLight Home Care of South Bay wish you a Great Mens Health
Month and Happy Fathers Day!

By : ​Larry Roberts