Men’s Health in Omaha, Nebraska

While many things about our health are essentially the same for men and women alike, there are also differences between the two genders that are important to take into account. As the saying goes, health is wealth, and just as much for men as for women, maintaining good health requires being proactive and staying educated, establishing good habits, making the necessary lifestyle adjustments to correct or eliminate any existing issues, and for all of the aforementioned, utilizing the expertise of the experts who have dedicated themselves to their specific areas of expertise for guidance and support. Living in this day and age, we know a whole lot more about health and wellness than ever before, so it only makes sense to take full advantage of the wealth of resulting benefits.

Nutrition and regular activity are basic factors that have an impact on all of our body’s central functions. With an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food and drink options often the most easily accessible, many adults struggle with weight issues that can ultimately have a serious health consequences. This being the case for men of all ages, a healthy diet and exercise are a great place to start for those who are committed to making lifestyle changes that are in their best interests.

In fact, according to recent statistics provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), almost 3 in 4 men in the U.S., or 74% to be exact, are considered to be overweight or obese. In addition to physical health, body image factors into our wellness, affecting our mental and emotional health as well. A science based on intake and output, balance is only achieved when a person’s lifestyle—their daily actions and choices—is in harmony with their goals. When it comes to successfully losing weight and keeping it off, the only solutions that are both effective and health-conscious are the ones that are focused on achieving long-term results. There are so many different products on the market that making a decision as to what will work best for an individual is overwhelming and confusing to say the least. As many of us can identify with the struggles of losing weight, mainly when it comes to finding something that really works, it only makes sense to enlist the guidance and support of the professionals who are dedicated to the health of their clients and are there to help every step of the way.

For those looking to looking to establish a meal plan, lose weight, build muscle, or just eat healthier, Just Good Meat provides high quality meat and can even go as far as to portion it out for those who follow a meal plan. For those who are interested in establishing a meal plan for themselves, Just Good Meat can help with that too. You may not think of your local butcher as an expert on nutrition, but involved in the industry for decades and sourcing the best quality products on the market, bringing them from farm to table in most instances, along with helping many customers with special requests over the years has certainly positioned them to offer their expertise to those who are looking for guidance.

Meal planning is perfect for those people who are always in a hurry and need to avoid fast food options. Just Good Meat has plenty of meats that are already portioned out for consumers, such as buffalo, chicken, tilapia, salmon, ground meat, and many other healthy options. They even have a 7-day meal plan package already put together and ready to pick up for just $39.99. Once you get away from processed food, you will notice results right away.

Having lost 50 pounds himself, Sean Fuller of Just Good Meat advises to be aware of, and picky with, what types of food you buy. “Looking for all-natural products is more important now than ever before. For meat in particular, do your research as to where it’s sourced, even down to how the animals are raised and what they are fed, because it makes a big difference. This idea is not necessarily new, but it’s always worth mentioning because what we put into our bodies is so important to our overall health.”

Along with regular activity and exercise in combination with the nutrition element, chiropractic care is also something that has wide-ranging benefits for both short-term and long-term health.

“We focus on keeping men feeling their best and injury-free so their bodies are prepared for the demands of everyday life,” says Brad Schmitt, DC of Schmitt Chiropractic & Rehab, P.C.

“We offer a variety of services with this in mind, including chiropractic care, active release, dry needling, functional rehab, and sports taping that all help with function, performance and pain. We can also help with nutrition too; as well all know, nutrition is vital for losing weight, but it is also a huge factor in dealing with many types of pain. We try to take a look at the whole picture and utilize some, if not all, of these methods to help men with their health goals.”

In fact, Schmitt Chiropractic & Rehab focuses on how important nutrition is in all aspects of a man’s life. Not only is it important with weight loss and helping with pain, it also can alleviate fatigue and help with focus. Poor dietary habits wreak havoc on our hormones and their functions. This can lead to many different types of diseases and dysfunction within the body. Sometimes what seems to be an “aging” problem is actually a dietary problem.

Schmitt also offers an important reminder: “Men need to realize the importance of setting goals when it comes to their health, and then taking steps to achieve those goals. Healthy is a lifestyle, not a 30-day diet. It starts with changing habits!”

Although many things related to our health can be prevented, there are some that cannot be avoided and therefore, must be managed in a way that allows for the best quality of life possible. For those who are living with a disability or faced with a chronic health issue, support from loved ones is critical. This care, however, can come at substantial costs to the caregivers, their families, and to society.

According to an AARP/National Alliance for Caregiving report, 40 percent of caregivers are men. Over the past few years, the number of caregivers has been increasing. Men who don’t have strong networks of support are much more vulnerable to stress and stress-related illnesses, including depression. Combined with the fact that men are less likely to seek treatment or support for such problems, it can really have a dramatic impact on their health and wellness.

Located in the Munroe-Meyer Institute on the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) campus, Respite Across the Lifespan is available to help family caregivers access qualified respite care providers to help the caregiver take a break from the demands of supporting an individual with a disability or chronic health issue. Just call (402) 559-5732 to learn more about respite, it’s that easy! Janet L. Miller of Respite Across the Lifespan explains, “Our program covers Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska, but we are happy to provide information to anyone who contacts us. For those in the program area, our staff will work with you to find the most appropriate type of service to meet the needs of you and your loved one. We can also assist you in applying for funding to help pay for the costs of paying respite providers. In addition, we are aware of support programs that may be of interest to men in caregiving situations and we can help refer them to these various types of programs offered throughout the Greater Omaha area.”

She also emphasizes, “Men need to realize the strain and stress that can be caused by caring for a loved one with a disability or a chronic health condition (such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or a developed disability). Men have historically not been encouraged to share their feelings, frustrations, or fears with others, which can cause a wide array of health-related conditions. It is extremely helpful for most people to have an opportunity to speak to another person in a similar life situation. Contacting our office is one step that can be made towards the goal of help or assistance. Other agencies to contact would be those that offer support and advocacy services to persons that experience specific health or disabling conditions. These groups can help connect you with others who are ‘walking in your shoes’ and can also work towards guiding you through this journey.”

As different as people come, as do their health issues. For some, health has never been an issue, but it will be at some point in the future. But, for others, health has been an ongoing issue that they have struggled with their entire lives. An important thing to take with you in regards to men’s health is that there is never any harm in seeking help or even just asking questions.

For men of all ages, there are numerous things that can be done in an effort to stay as healthy as possible, now and well into the future. Health is something that shouldn’t ever be taken for granted, and we are lucky today that many of the health conditions and diseases that men are facing can be prevented or treated—if found or addressed early. It’s well worth the investment in yourself and those that you love to be proactive about your health, which will allow you to live life to the fullest.