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GALLOWAY BLOG

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June is Men’s Health Month: Wear Blue and Get Screened Too!

“He who can believe himself well, will be well.” – Ovid  Men, who typically are proactive about so many things, tend to take a back seat when it comes to their own health care. To raise awareness about the need for more men to focus on their health, the Men’s Health Network has designated June as Men’s Health Month. This campaign is a nationwide event, and Galloway Ridge is participating by offering activities and health screenings for you or the man in your life. Let’s make this the month for men to get screened and get moving for better health throughout the year. Let’s Hear it for the Boys!  Women are much more likely to see doctors throughout their lives. They may develop a doctor-patient relationship during their childbearing years which continues through menopause and further as they age. Men, on the other hand, may not have the need for regular care as young adults, and some have not seen a doctor for decades. By the time they reach middle age or beyond, they may deny that they need regular care, choosing instead to manage any potential conditions on their own. Considering men as a population typically suffer from heart disease or stroke and have a shorter life span than the average woman, they should take a more direct approach to managing their health. Men tend to be bigger drinkers and smokers which can lead to ongoing health problems. Other conditions that can plague men as they age can include low testosterone, urinary tract infections, an enlarged prostate, and difficulty with urination. Prostate and colon cancers are also concerns that should not be overlooked. I Like to Move it, Move it.  Men can aim for healthy choices as one approach to overall well being. Eating healthy foods, limiting sweets, drinking in moderation…these are good goals for anyone who wants to reduce risk of disease and maintain a good quality of life. Another great way to promote wellness is with regular exercise. If you work out regularly, keep up the good work! Exercise can help with both your physical and mental health. Try to cross train by including cardio, strength training, flexibility, and balance on a regular basis for overall fitness. Galloway Ridge has a variety of fitness activities that are fun and beneficial, and we encourage you to try something new if you are able. Check with your doctor before you start any new exercise program, in case you needed another reason to make an appointment. The Duke Center for Living, located on-site at Galloway Ridge, is one of the best and most convenient resources our residents have for regular fitness. They recently hosted a BROGA class, a new concept in the world of yoga, in honor of Men’s Health Month. These yoga classes are perfect for men who may be intimidated by a traditional coed yoga class. BROGA focuses more on a man’s ability, adapting yoga poses that emphasize strength over flexibility. Hopefully, with your support, DCFL can offer this fun body and mind class again, possibly on a regular basis, as another option for men to stay fit. Blog I Screen, You Screen, We all Screen…  This Friday, June 17, from 9:30-11:30, join us in the Beltie Lounge for breakfast and wellness screenings. The physical assessments, which include a balance evaluation and blood pressure check, are open to male residents and staff. Here is an easy opportunity for our guys to learn more about what health concerns may affect their generation and even start the process of assessing their health needs. Keep in mind that these health screenings are not designed to take the place of a full examination but just the first step to taking control of your health. Here is a short list of issues that should be addressed at your next checkup:  
  • Blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Cholesterol
  • Bone density
  • Depression
  • Memory
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
A doctor may also recommend a stress test for cardiovascular function and colonoscopy to check for any abnormal growths. Am I Blue?  Another way to show support for Men’s Health Month is by wearing blue this Friday, June 17. We encourage all the residents and staff of Galloway Ridge to paint the community blue, figuratively of course, as we dress up in blue to raise awareness for men’s health care. We hope you will join us in celebrating men and encouraging all of our residents to stay well now and in the future. If you would like more information about men’s (and women’s) activities at Galloway Ridge, please click here.