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Men’s Health Week is hoping to raise men’s awareness of numbers like 120/80 – normal blood pressure.
All Credits: PA
Many men are well aware of the number of points won or goals scored by their favourite team, but are often much less familiar with numbers connected to their own health.
This year’s Men’s Health Week aims to change that, by raising awareness of health numbers all men should know.
The Men’s Health Forum (MHF), which runs the week, hopes making men more aware of the numbers – which largely relate to lifestyle choices including drinking, exercising, eating and smoking – will help improve their health and alter for the better alarming statistics, such as one man in five dies before the age of 65.
1. Eat less salt
Too much salt raises your blood pressure, so eat as little as possible. BPUK says some people with high blood pressure may even be able to avoid taking blood pressure medicication simply by cutting down on salt (always talk to your GP before stopping or changing any medication). It points out most of the salt we eat isn’t what’s added to food at the table, but is in prepared foods like bread, breakfast cereals and ready meals. So check food labels and choose low-salt options when possible.
3. Maintain a healthy weight
Losing weight, if necessary, can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of a range of health problems. BPUK says the best way to lose weight is to choose more low-fat and low-calorie foods, and increase physical activity.
5. Get more active
Being moderately active for 30 minutes five times a week can keep your heart healthy, and lower blood pressure. If finding the time’s a problem, remember that every little helps, and think about how to be more active in your daily life. Any activity that leaves you feeling warm and slightly out of breath is ideal, whether that’s using the stairs instead of taking the lift, or simply doing some hard work in the garden.
