June 12 to 18 is men’s health week in Australia
Men’s health week’s theme this year: “HEALTHY BODY – HEALTHY MIND: KEEPING THE BALANCE” explores the different ways men and boys are managing to keep healthy, physically and emotionally, in a busy and sometimes challenging world.”[1]
We often forget that our physical and emotional health are connected. And by taking care of our bodies we are—to some degree—taking care of our minds.
That’s why this year’s men’s health week is focusing on the balance needed to stay healthy.
Two things that are good for you: laughing and regular check-ups
“A good laugh can be compared to a mild workout”[2] because it:
- Exercises muscles
- Improves sleep patterns
- Gets blood flowing
- Decreases blood pressure as well as stress hormones
- Boosts immune system
A study out of John Hopkins University Medical School has shown that “humor [sic] and laughter can also improve memory and mental performance.”[3]
Regular check-ups
On average Australians go their GP between 5 to 7 times a year: depending on which statistics you look at[4]. And this—for the most part—is a good way of ensuring you stay in good health.
The numbers for regular check-ups are closer to once a year[5]. Which is half the recommended number of yearly visits to your dentist.
The reason dentists recommend 6-monthly check-ups is to help prevent serious problems from occurring. Also, a scale and clean from a dentist gives your teeth and gums a deeper clean than brushing and flossing.
For those who brush and floss every day, a scale and clean from the dentist is just the next step up to keeping your teeth and your gums healthy.
According to a study published by the Journal of Periodontology, “having healthy teeth and gums may increase the quality of life and help you find a smile.”[6]
Men’s health week 2017
For men’s health week, this year there’s an event on the Gold Coast.
For a list of events nationwide, you can find them here.
Coastal Dental Care’s check-up and clean deal
Cost is the biggest reason people avoid the dentist[7]. However, if you brush and floss your teeth daily, then your 6-monthly check-up doesn’t have to be that costly.
At Coastal Dental Care we are offering a check-up and clean for only $200.
[1] https://www.menshealthweek.org.au/En/Default.aspx
[2] https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-cynthia-thaik/laughing-health_b_4519611.html
[3] Ibid
[4] https://theconversation.com/factcheck-does-the-average-australian-go-to-the-doctor-11-times-a-year-26242
[5] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia-2015/contents/visiting-a-dentist
[6] https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease/ada-04-gum-health-may-influence-smile-patterns
[7] https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/the-top-reasons-we-avoid-the-dentist.aspx
