Men’s Health Month – Help Dad Stay Safe This Summer

What better time of year to celebrate Men’s Health Month than when the salmon are running and dad is out enjoying his favorite summer activities. Men’s Health Month is certainly about celebrating the men in our life but more importantly, it aims to keep them healthy by spreading awareness about the importance of preventative care and early detection.

In many of our experiences, getting dad to go to the doctor can be tough, especially when there is fishing, hiking and yard work to be done. But as our parents age, it’s even more important to make sure we are doing routine check-ups. So, in between fishing trips and camping adventures, try to get dad in for a doctor’s appointment this month.

Summer in Alaska is a busy time both outside and in the emergency room, where popular recreation activities can lead to common injuries. Here are some tips for having a healthy and happy summer with the aging men in your life.

• Block the Midnight Sun: Getting enough sleep is important for our health, especially for brain health. Sleep is an important time when our brains reset and store memory. Catching too few z’s can lead to dementia, drowsiness and an increased risk for sickness. If you’re finding it tough to sleep with all the light, invest in blackout curtains. Also, set an alarm to let you know when it’s time to head to bed.
• Be Careful Cutting the Grass: Sometimes it seems like the lawn grows faster than the lawnmower mows. It can be tempting to try to keep up but pushing a lawnmower is a strenuous activity and should exercised with caution. For men mowing the lawn, dress properly to avoid overheating, stretch muscles to avoid strain, hydrate and stop if you feel fatigued. Finally, if there’s a history of heart attack or other health issues, it’s best to let someone else do it for you.
• Pause and Enjoy: Summer seems fleeting so many people try to cram in too much. During any activity, like hiking, camping, fishing or boating, it’s important to remember to take breaks and relax. For example, even if you’re standing in a single spot fishing, there’s strain on the arm, back and legs. Make sure to hydrate, eat and take a break every hour or two.

At Midnight Sun Home Care, we celebrate our clients’ independence and life experience, and want everyone to enjoy quality time with their families. Our home care services can help by lending a hand and allowing our clients and their families to maintain the lifestyles they want. Let us help you get the most out of summer.