Last month, we talked all about hard-working moms for Mother’s Day. But now that it’s June, it’s time to think about dad! Father’s Day is coming up, which gives us the opportunity to consider ways that we can support men’s physical and mental health. As men age, they face a risk for developing illness and chronic disease such as heart disease, prostate and colon cancer, diabetes, and more.

Give dad the gift of wellness with these tips for men’s health:

• Encourage regular checkups and screenings. Men are less likely to go to the doctor on a regular basis, and therefore less likely to catch conditions before they get worse. In fact, it’s estimated that men are 33% less likely than women to have visited a healthcare provider in the last year. Be sure to encourage dad, or any man in your life, to get checkups regularly.
• Promote physical activity. Exercise is the best way for aging men to improve heart health, muscle strength, flexibility and balance. Being active can even help improve chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, reduce the risk of injury from falling, and may reduce the risk of developing diseases like dementia. Help dad find an exercise routine or program, or even make time to workout together if possible!
• Incorporate more fiber. Many of us are not meeting our fiber recommendations, especially men. Did you know that men actually need more fiber than women do? In fact, it’s recommended that men above the age of 30 consume 28-31 grams of fiber per day, compared to only 22-25 grams for women. A high fiber diet is associated with improvements in cholesterol and blood sugar control, as well as reduced risk for colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and more. Food groups that are high in fiber include beans and lentils, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Add in foods with lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant in the carotenoid family that is found in red and pink fruits, such as tomatoes, watermelons, and grapefruit. Studies have shown that there is a possibility that lycopene may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and other diseases, such as heart disease. It’s important to note that grapefruit should be consumed in moderation for individuals who are taking statins, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, or simvastatin.