Tackling A Global Pandemic – Taking Action – International Men’s Health Week
This year men’s health week is running from 15-21 June, and unsurprisingly is focusing on Covid-19 and the challenges that have come with this global pandemic.
What can you do to help make improvements during this difficult time?
- Take action to avoid spreading the virus
- Take action to get the best out of lockdown and the ‘new normal’
- Take action to beat ‘underlying conditions’
Take action: Avoid spreading the virus
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly
- Maintain social distancing
- Abide by current Government Covid-19 guidelines
Take action: Get the best out of lockdown and the ‘new normal’
- Eat a healthy and wellbeing balanced diet
- Stay hydrated
- Don’t consume excess alcohol (no more than 14 units per week for both men and women, with at least 2 consecutive alcohol free days)
- Quit smoking
- Exercise, where possible
- If you are able to go outside, consider walking or gardening
- Try to get plenty of good quality sleep and maintain a regular sleep pattern
- Stay in touch with friends and family via telephone, video calls and social media
- Share your worries and concerns – if you don’t have anyone that you feel comfortable with doing so, get in touch with any of these mental health helplines that are designed to support you through difficult times
- Help and support loved ones and neighbours – listen to those who need it, and if you are able, help vulnerable neighbours and/or friends and family with things such as food shopping or medication collection
- Limit your exposure to the news and media if this has a negative impact on you
- Focus on the things you can control, and even improve – e.g. odd jobs around the home that have been hanging at the bottom of the to-do list since Christmas
- Focus on facts instead of speculation and media – remain up to date with the latest information and guidelines from gov.uk or the NHS website for factual, unbiased information
- If you find it useful, plan your day/week with productive, creative and positive activities to maintain routine
- Keep your mind active, whether that’s with a puzzle or crossword – 30 minutes (or more if you wish) every day will help to keep your brain ticking over
- If you are able to, get outside for some sunshine and fresh air, even if it is just to sit down
Take action: Beat ‘underlying conditions’
There are a number of conditions that leave people at high risk from coronavirus, some of which can be improved through a healthy and balanced lifestyle. For example, diabetes, heart disease and obesity all leave an individual more vulnerable if Covid-19 is contracted. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet will help to reduce this risk level and improve existing underlying conditions.
Other useful blogs:
- How to help yourself this mental health awareness week
- Your guide to training at home during this difficult time
