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By Amy Williams

Clark County Health Department

Men’s Health Week is June 12-18. There are several ways for men to stay healthy, but today we will focus on the importance of being active. Being physically active is an excellent way for men to stay healthy. Even if your daily work requires demanding physical labor, staying active outside of work offers many health benefits. It is even more helpful in preventing diabetes or helping manage diabetes. Realizing life and expenses can get in the way. There are ways to problem-solve these issues to help you reach your physical activity goals with or without diabetes at no cost.

There are many benefits to staying physically active. It can help you build stronger bones and muscles. It helps with increased energy levels, higher productivity and fewer sick days from work. This allows for better health to help provide for your family. As such, active fun with friends and family is possible. All of the above helps lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, thus lowering medical expenses.

Many things get in the way of being physically active, life, time, etc. You may have limited time in the day due to busy schedules, lack of space to be active, limited transportation or lack extra money for a gym membership or exercise classes. All of these are valid reasons for not being physically active. However, look at what you can take advantage of in your workday. Can you take a break from work? Walking for only ten minutes can significantly affect your blood sugar. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or park your car away from the main entrance to allow you to achieve more steps throughout the day.

Do not let it stop there. When you get home, have friends and family to help support your health mission. Go on a walk with neighbors, do gardening or yard work. Play with the kids or grandkids during their outdoor recreation, shoot hoops, ride bikes, or play golf or badminton.

Remember to use what is free around you! Visit a park or school for nice walking track options. Legacy Grove has a wonderful path. If the weather is bad, try walking inside College Park. Also, remember to utilize the Traveling Trail or the track at RDC. We have a lot to offer right here in Winchester for free!

Being physically active is one of seven self-care behaviors. Regardless of whether you have diabetes or not, these behaviors are recommended for anyone. If you or someone you know has pre-diabetes or diabetes, please remember to contact Amy Williams, MS, RD, LD, LDE, at the Clark County Health Department at 859-744-4482, ext. 1028, or amy.williams@cchdky.org for more information on next available pre-diabetes or diabetes classes.

The Clark County Health Department provides programs for the entire family, including Freedom from Smoking, WIC, HANDS, family planning, well-child/immunizations, and home health care. For more information on all of our services, please call 859-744-4482 or visit our website at www.clarkhealthdept.org. You can also “like” us on Facebook.