Tips on Improving Men’s Health from a Qualified Physiotherapist

This week is Men’s Health Week, a week celebrated around the world every year in June that focuses on highlighting men’s health and what it means to be healthy.

As professionals offering health and wellness services at our Allied Health and Wellness Centre in South Australia we felt it was important to highlight the importance of staying healthy, both mentally and physically. So, our qualified Physiotherapist and Operations Manager, Michael Zoumaras has put together his top tips and simple ways on improving and maintaining your health, as a means to do his part this Men’s Health Week – man to man.

But first, why is it important to look after your health from the inside-out? What are the benefits other than those commonly spoken about, like weight loss? In terms of looking after your body through exercise, the benefits are endless on physical, mental and even social levels. It’s been proven that physical activity can encourage a positive mental wellbeing and can even reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Not to mention it can boost self esteem, assist with chronic pain (light walks), maintain strength and balance, and build muscle, as well as help reduce blood pressure – plus SO much more!

So, what are some of the best ways to look after yourself? And what are Michael’s tips on maintaining this beyond this week?

• Get outdoors and go for a walk with your partner, family member or a friend – having a walking buddy will encourage you to stick to your plans and stay motivated. Agree to meet once, twice or more at the same time each week so you build and upkeep a routine!

• Make sure you’re getting your two and five each day – two servings of fruit and five of vegetables. My tip is to prepare as many fruits and vegetables as possible ahead of time – pre cutting carrot and celery sticks are a great snack option and pre washing berries and storing them in a container in a fridge to graze on in the afternoon is also a great way to make sure you meet your recommended daily intake.

• Incorporate some meditation into your daily schedule! Mental health is just as important as physical health and it’s important you look after yourself from the inside-out! SImple ways to stick to this is by doing a quick meditation before you sleep or as you wake up – try doing it the same time every day to again build muscle memory and routine!

• Stretch more and move throughout the day! Simple and small stretches throughout the day can relieve built up tension in your muscles and will help you avoid injuries and allow you to move freely. If you sit at a desk, incorporating some stretches throughout the day and getting up and going for a walk around the office will also be incredibly beneficial in resetting and clearing your mind, helping with productivity.

• And of course, book yourself in for a soft tissue massage and monitor your body in case it needs some physiotherapy! Increasing your exercise routine will change how your body feels and it’s important to address any concerns at the earliest time possible to prevent injury. And, we’ll be here for you when you need us!

Our Allied Health and Wellness Centre staff are here for all of your allied health needs! In our brand new state of the art wellness centre, we can assist you with:

• Pre Employment Functional Assessments

• Musculoskeletal Treatment

• Dry Needling

• Pain Management

• Return to Work / Occupational Rehabilitation

• Home Exercise Programs

• Mobility Equipment Prescription and Procurement Advice

• Falls Prevention and Falls Reviews

• Neurological Rehabilitation and more!

Visit https://bookings.nookal.com/bookings/location/EDJUN to book in with our physios or call us on 8344 6400.