Take Care of Yourself, For You and the Ones You Love
Being a father, stepdad, grandpa, or mentor means showing up for others. But to stay strong for them, you have to take care of yourself first.
Men in the U.S. often live about five years less than women, says the CDC. They are more likely to have problems like heart disease and diabetes, and men in Tennessee are 4x more likely to die by suicide than women. Throughout Tennessee, many men also work in tough jobs like farming or construction, which can make health even harder to manage. This can lead to pain, stress, and even burnout.
But there is good news: families can help men stay strong and healthy by taking simple, everyday steps. The NIH Wellness Toolkit shows four main areas that can help you feel better and live longer:
1. Body: Get a checkup every year, even if you feel fine. Eat smart, sleep well, and move your body.
2. Mind: Talk about stress or sadness. You're not alone. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text 988, then press 0 to speak with someone who cares. Additional crisis services and suicide prevention resources can be found here.
3. Connection: Friendships and strong relationships help you stay grounded.
4. Purpose: Faith, community, and goals give life meaning. Having a reason to get up each day can improve your health. That purpose might be your family, faith, work, or helping others. Even small goals, like teaching a skill, fixing something, or showing up for someone, can give life meaning. When you feel connected to something bigger than yourself, it can boost your mood, lower stress, and help you stay strong through tough times.
Explore More?
- Tennessee Department of Health’s Men’s Health Month Toolkit
- CDC’s Taking Care of Your Body
- Diabetes and Men
- About Men and Heart Disease
Take the first step today, whether it's making a doctor's appointment, taking a walk, or reaching out to talk. Your strength isn't just in what you do for others. It's also how you care for yourself.