Father’s Day gift ideas encouraging good health
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Father’s Day gift ideas encouraging good health
Father’s Day is almost here which means time to show ‘dear old dad’ how much he means to us. However, instead of another tie, socks or box of candy, why not celebrate just how special your dad is by helping boost his health.
Men are notorious for dodging their doctor’s office. They’ll make excuses of why not to go or simply choose to not make annual physicals. That’s where we can help dad out. We want dad around as long as possible and one way to show that is with a gift of good health. Men often need encouragement and a nudge in the right direction of how to live a longer and healthier life.
This is why thinking in terms of his health is a perfect way to gift him with something that can make him feel better, either physically or mentally. Why not focus on the top five chronic health issues men face the most – prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, and lung cancer. To gently guide him in the right direction towards a healthier lifestyle, here are a few Father’s Day gift ideas to consider:
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer, other than skin cancer, is the most common cancer in American men. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated 191,930 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2020 with around 33,330 deaths predicted. This figures out to be 1 man in 9 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
Starting at age 40, all men should have a baseline prostate cancer screening – prostate specific antigen test or PSA – to assess their risk of and frequency of prostate cancer screenings.
To help celebrate your dad’s special day with an emphasis on protecting prostate health, why not make him a meal high in cancer-fighting antioxidants found in foods such as salmon, leafy green vegetables, berries, tomatoes, watermelon, and nuts like almonds and walnuts. Or buy him his own special cup for drinking green tea. Drinking a daily cup of green tea helps keep the prostate healthy and is an easy way getting the phytochemicals and antioxidants green tea contains.
Cardiovascular Disease
One in three American men will develop cardiovascular disease in their lifetime. Also referred to as heart disease, this disorder affects the heart and blood vessels that may result in high blood pressure, angina, and stroke.
While there are many factors leading to heart disease, stress is a big contributor. Dads tend to find it hard to take it easy. But learning to relax and to slow down is vital for both their physical and mental health. This Father’s Day, why not help dad get a much needed stress break and time off.
Some suggestions might include a gift certificate for a massage, a good book to read, or maybe buying a hammock for outdoor backyard naps. Weekend getaways of fishing, hiking, or camping could be other possibilities. Anything that helps dad to release tension and stress is a step in the right direction in reducing heart disease.
Depression
From the time they are small boys, men are often taught not to cry or show much emotion. Men are so good at hiding their feelings, including those of depression, we may miss signs believing men are doing fine but deep down, they are struggling emotionally. Every year, up to 6 million men get a diagnosis of depression and if not treated, may lead to men taking their own lives.
This year, instead of spending a lot of money on gifts that may soon be forgotten, give your dad the gift of time. Spend time together doing what dad enjoys most – maybe golfing, fishing, hiking, or participating in a hobby he likes. The point is to take the time to converse, help him open up by taking an interest in his life, letting him know how much you care about him. Avoid any criticism and instead focus on his strengths and why he’s a great dad.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent. About 30.3 million Americans have a diabetes diagnosis which represents 9.4 percent of the U.S. population.
This disease can lead to major health issues of poor circulation, chronic kidney disease, blindness, amputations, and heart attacks. Men are at a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes than women, likely associated with lifestyle factors, body weight, and where the weight is located in men - the abdominal area versus the hip region in women.
If your family has a history of diabetes, consider a gift encouraging fitness. Becoming more fit through exercise helps men reach a healthier body weight that can keep diabetes in better control Fitness gift ideas could be certificates to join a gym or a few sessions with a personal trainer; a fitness tracker encouraging more walking; a workout bench, treadmill, or jump rope; or if he’s into a specific sport he likes to play, a new tennis racket or golf clubs could be just what he needs to get back in shape.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a major health concern in men and is the leading cause of cancer death in men. The leading cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco. About 80% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking and many others are caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.
If your dad has yet to kick the habit of smoking, this year make it happen. Smoking is more than a bad habit; it’s a serious and life-threatening addiction. If your dad smokes, getting them to quit, will not be easy. Remember, it’s about them, not you. But to get him to become smoke free, it helps to provide plenty of support and to start the conversation.
Listening and not lecturing are a few tips towards being a part of the solution of a dad who no longer smokes. There are many valuable tips on helping loved ones stop smoking. Let them know you’re there for them for the long haul and will be supporting them every step of the way.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.