In honor of Father’s Day, this month we are focusing on Men’s Health. According to some studies men may need a little extra encouragement in this area.
Let’s work together to find fun, easy ways to help the men in our lives become and stay healthy.
And men, we hope you accept our gentle reminders as heartfelt offerings.
Dad Detox!
7 Foods For Gentle Detoxification
By Kate Swords
Functional Medicine Nutritionist
There is no gentle way of putting this, so we may as well just face it: we are all toxic. Scientists estimate that the average adult carries at least 700 toxins within their body. How well we can effectively deal with these toxins and toxicants has to do with the amount of exposure, our genetic predisposition for producing detoxification enzymes, and proper nutrition. When we are not able to clear toxins quickly or efficiently enough, the toxic burden on the body becomes problematic. This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, chronic pain, brain fog, allergies, headaches, insomnia, autoimmunity, digestive issues, sugar dysregulation …. you get the idea.
So where do all these toxic compounds come from? Well, everywhere. Some of these are from external sources such as pesticides in food, pollutants in our water and air, airborne biologicals like mold and pollens, plastics, heavy metals, and alcohol. Other substances are made by our bodies, such as cholesterol or hormones, that serve a purpose and then need to be eliminated.
We typically recommend working in a short detox at least once or twice a year, ideally at the change of the seasons in spring and fall. The truth is, it is most helpful when incorporated on a regular basis.
Every day we should be trying to stop new toxins from coming into the body and working to get accumulated toxins out of the body. One really simple way to do this is through food. A nutritious diet provides us with key nutrients that support our innate detoxification processes.
Healthy Tips for Dads
Father’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate dads and everything they do. That includes celebrating a long, healthy life with your beloved father or father figure.
This Father’s Day, help the dad in your life be the healthiest man he can be with these 5 essential tips, and continue to enjoy many more Father’s Day celebrations together.
1. Ask Dad if He’s Scheduled His Annual Physical
Preventative healthcare is the most important and effective thing men can do to live healthier lives. The statistics regarding the issue are startling. Men have about a 28% higher risk than women for high cholesterol and being hospitalized for diabetes complications, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia. And men are less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year.
Don’t let Dad make excuses for putting off a visit for a thorough health evaluation and plan.
2. Talk About Sleep
Does your dad get enough sleep? If he’s like many adults, there’s a chance he isn’t. This Father’s Day, celebrate in an interesting way: Opt for a family nap! Hammocks encouraged.
3. Suggest a Colonoscopy
Ask dad if he’s up-to-date. It’s not always the easiest topic to discuss, but it is an important one. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the US. Men (and women) should be screened for colon cancer starting at 50 years old, though high-risk adults should start sooner. High-risk: personal or family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and anyone experiencing symptoms of colon cancer.
4. Help Dad Stress Less
Stress can lead to many health issues including a heart attack. It’s possible that certain stress reduction exercises might calm down the mechanism that converts stress into health issues. Notice that spending quality time with your loved ones can be a big stress reliever? Spend some time with your dad or a father figure you love this Father’s Day.
5. Offer Ideas For More Activity
Another way to stress less is to exercise more. Luckily, there are many fun ways to get active with dad this Father’s Day, especially here in NH. You could go for a family hike or bike, visit a State Park (pack a healthy picnic), check out a nearby swimming spot, or plan a weekend getaway at the lake or in the mountains.
June Calendar
All Month is National Pride Month!
June 1 is Global Running Day
June 3 Love Conquers All Day
June 5 is Cancer Survivor Day & World Environment Day ~ a day meant to raise environmental awareness across the globe
June 6 is the 78th Anniversary of D-Day
June 11 is Global Wellness Day
June 12 is National Children’s Day
June 14 is Flag Day & The Strawberry Moon: June’s full Moon, reaches peak illumination at 7:52 A.M. (EDT). This full Moon is also the first super moon of 2022.
June 19 Celebrate Father’s Day! And Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.
June 21 is the Summer Solstice, which heralds the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the day with the most hours of daylight, so enjoy! Also celebrate International Yoga Day.
June 24 brings Midsummer Day, traditionally the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting. It is celebrated in many cultures on the night of June 23, as Midsummer Eve.
June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day
