MEN’S HEALTH WEEK 13th – 20th JUNE 2016

MEN’S HEALTH WEEK 13^th – 20^th JUNE 2016

We all get stressed but what do YOU do about it ?  If we don’t relieve stress it can turn into something more serious. Up to 1 in 4 of us could develop a mental health problem which is similar to the odds of France or Germany winning the Euro 2016 !  This is the main theme of Men’s Health Week 2016 campaign run by the Mens Health Forum and encourages men to take action if they feel they may have a problem dealing with stress. We realise that men sometimes find it difficult to talk about how they are feeling and it can be difficult to express emotions but remember if you’re not feeling right mentally you won’t feel good physically. The “fight or flight” reaction when your body floods with adrenaline causing your heart rate to rise, sweating and “butterflies” and hyper alertness may be fine occasionally but too much stress can :

• Damage your heart and immune system.
• Increase chance of other serious health problems.
• Damage your relationships.
• Reduce Life expectancy.

WHAT CAN CAUSE STRESS ?

• Work or unemployment.
• Money
• Bereavement
• Health
• Friends and Family issues.
• Sex and sexuality.
• Addictions.
• Alcohol and /or drug use.
• Violence within a relationship.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF STRESS ? 

• Eating more or less than usual
• Mood Swings
• Low Self Esteem
• Feeling tense or anxious
• Sleep disturbance
• Poor memory or forgetfulness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Excess alcohol consumption or drug use
• Feeling tired or lacking in energy – lack of motivation
• Out of character behaviour

Whatever you decide it’s important that if you feel you have a problem you:

• Talk about how you are going to beat the stress
• Talk about what is causing it
• Talk to your family, your mates or a professional.
• Possible solutions include exercise, laughter, painting, developing a new skill or volunteering
• Visit the Mens Health Forum website and look at the Beat Stress – Feel Better section:

www.menshealthforum.org.uk

 HOW MIGHT NATURES HEALTHBOX HELP ?

We would urge you to look at our wide range of vitamins, supplements and other natural healthy products.  We cannot predict individual needs but would suggest you consider the following ideas :

• Some people find caffeine in drinks makes their anxiety and stress worse. Look at our range of caffeine free drinks including mixed teas specifically manufactured to help combat stress.
• There are a variety of herbal remedies and supplements associated with improving symptoms of stress. These include St Johns Wort, Valerian, Passiflora, Rhodiola, Gingko Biloba and 5HTP + Trytophan. You might like to read up on these but we do advise seeking advice from a doctor especially if you are on medication for depression or anxiety already.
• Vitamin B complex helps to maintain healthy homocysteine levels nd contributes to maintaining good mood.
• Homeopathy has been shown to be helpful especially Bryonia, Arsegentum, Gelsemium, Calcarea and Arsenicum.
• Burning relaxing essential oils such as lavender oil or sprinkling on pillowcase at night.
• Exercise can help to boost mood – look at our range of energy bars, drinks and protein powders particularly important for vegans who may find themselves short of protein at times.
• Finally look at our range of skin and bath products – everyone feels better after a bit of pampering.

As always we love to hear your views and experiences that we can share with others.