Mens Health: The brain
Men's Health Month serves as a timely reminder for men to see their healthcare provider and raises awareness about the benefit of early detection. Men are more likely than women to suffer from a broad spectrum of issues ranging from heart disease and cancer to substance abuse, depression and suicide.
Kenneth De Los Reyes, MD, neurosurgeon and co-director of Skull Base Surgery at Loma Linda University Health, shares tips that can make a big difference for the man in your life. “Good brain health starts with safety, good overall health and balance,” De Los Reyes says.
To help men avoid health mistakes, De Los Reyes recommends keeping these tips in mind:
Take precautions when engaging in higher-risk activities
Wearing protective gear when engaging in higher-risk activities can reduce the risk of serious brain injury, or even death, as the result of a fall or collision. The impact that could harm the body is instead absorbed by the protective gear, such as a helmet.
Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle
Keeping a healthy lifestyle means more than exercising and eating right. It also means maintaining a balanced mental and emotional health. Be conscious of engaging in things that have positive effects on brain health. Physical activity, a high-quality diet and cognitive activities can be great ways to stay healthy and keep the brain in shape.
Spend time outdoors to destress and practice mindfulness in peace and quiet.
Practicing mindfulness can help prevent chronic diseases that can take a toll on brain health over time. In times of crisis or uncertainly, it becomes especially important to calm your brain. Mindful meditation can make it easier to sleep, reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue and confusion.
Loma Linda University Health providers are committed to ensuring all patients have access to the care they need — especially during this stressful time. Patients can schedule video visits by visiting lluh.org/video-visits, MyChart or calling their provider.