M e n ’ s H e a l t h
WHEN FATHER KNOWS BEST
4 ways to be a healthy role model
for your children
EAT YOUR VEGGIES.
That’s enough TV for one day. Time
for bed. When it comes to a child’s well-being, dads
want what’s best for their kids. And while it’s great to
tell kids what’s good for them, it’s just as important to
show them. Why? Because your everyday behaviors can
have a big impact on your children’s behaviors. Habits
they learn from you can last throughout their lives.
Be a good role model for your kids by making these
healthy choices:
1
Make safety a priority.
Whenever a situation calls for
safety, let your kids see you make the right move. For
starters, always wear a seat belt every time you drive or
ride in a vehicle and a helmet whenever you ride a bike
or motorcycle. Make sure your kids do the same. And
it almost goes without saying: Never drink and drive.
2
Feast on healthy fare together.
Kids keep a keen eye
on what you put on your plate. So be sure you eat plenty
of fruits and vegetables.
If you’re the main chef in the house, bring the kids
into the kitchen with you. It’s a great way to spend time
with them and to teach them about cooking nutritious
foods.
Also gather everyone around the table for meals as
often as possible. Research shows that kids consume
more vegetables and fruits and less fried foods and sug-
ary drinks when they eat with the entire family.
3
Help your kids get their move on.
Show your kids that
regular physical activity is a priority—and that family
fitness can be fun. For instance, you might play ball, go
on bike rides, or take walks or nature hikes together.
4
Get checkups.
Teach your kids that real men see a
doctor. Remember, you can’t take care of your family
unless you take care of yourself. Having—and seeing—
a primary care doctor will help ensure that you get all
the vaccines and screening tests you need to stay ahead
of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
What checkups do you need? See the chart to the right.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse;
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Every man (even you!)
needs a doctor. To find the right
healthcare provider for you, go to our
directory at
www.gvmh.org/providers.HEALTH SCENE is
published as a community
service for the friends and
patrons of GOLDEN VALLEY
MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE,
1600 N. Second St.,
Clinton, MO 64735,
telephone
660-885-5511
,
website
www.gvmh.org.
Randy S. Wertz
CEO
Information in HEALTH
SCENE comes from a wide
range of medical experts.
If you have any concerns
or questions about
specific content that may
affect your health, please
contact your healthcare
provider.
Models may be used in
photos and illustrations.
2016 © Coffey Communications,
Inc. All rights reserved.
SUMMER
2016
healthscene
The health tools at
www.gvmh.orgcan help you
know if you’re on the right
track—or
headed in an
unhealthy
direction.
Check
your health
Do you know the best diet for people with
diabetes? Would you recognize the signs of a
heart attack? Find out about these questions
and more at
www.gvmh.org. Choose “Health
Resources” and then “Health Tools.”
H E A L T H
S C E N E
4
S U M M E R 2 0 1 6
Start screening every 5 years.
CHOLESTEROL
Start screening at least every 2 years.
BLOOD PRESSURE
*African American men should talk with their doctor at age 45.
Ask your doctor about screening.
DIABETES
Start screening at least every 3 years.
DIABETES
Ask your doctor about screening.
PROSTATE CANCER*
Talk to your doctor about screening options.
COLORECTAL CANCER
Get screened once between ages 65 and 75,
if you’ve ever smoked.
ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM
Start screening, depending on your risk factors.
OSTEOPOROSIS
20
30
45
50
65
70
SCREENING
TESTS
by age for
MEN
Sources:American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; National Osteoporosis Foundation
These recommendations are for most men.
Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.