Real Men Can Cry
Newcastle Herald
Monday September 1, 1997
The macho image can be unhealthy, writes HELENE O'NEILL.
SUNDAY, September 7, is that special occasion to pamper a major influence in your life ? your father. Father's Day may not be promoted as big a commercial venture as Mother's Day but in terms of displaying your love and appreciation for the guidance and support given throughout your life, the celebrations for the occasion should be second to none.
While the day may revolve around a barbie and a few beers, followed by an afternoon nap, there is an opportunity to consider the lifestyle habits of the male population. Patterns have changed over recent times. Ever since Bob Hawke shed a few tears in public, it has become acceptable for men to cry and vent their feelings. Fathers (all men) need as much TLC as women. The `macho' image could be held responsible for the high incidence of heart disease and other stress-related illnesses as research shows that suppressing your emotions can lead to ill-health.
The signals from the body that stress is taking its toll are often ignored by men. Instead of slowing down, there is pressure to live up to the expectations of business associates or mates, and soldiering on, forcing a deterioration in your health. Physically, many men let themselves down. Their sport is often experienced vicariously through barracking for their footie heroes or watching the action on the telly. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is to accept the stage in life you are experiencing. If you were a champion sportsman in younger days, the memories are great to hang on to. But maybe aspire to attaining a percentage of the fitness level you enjoyed at your peak. Never think that you are a has-been!
The infamous Friday long lunch can be the undoing of many a businessman. The lavish food washed down with copious amounts of Hunter reds is fine on the odd occasion. But as a weekly `sport', the overeating and drinking may result in serious health problems. Enjoy the outing but avoid being part of the no-win contest to determine who is the biggest drinker or who can stay out the latest.
There is no shame in attempting to improve the quality of your life. Media advertising and television series on men's health have left no room for ignorance and help is merely a phone call away.
Encourage your father to seek out a challenge and to participate in exercise or a sport which suits his needs. Reinforce that they don't have to prove anything to anyone, except themselves. Fitness should be about enjoyment and does not have to be of a competitive nature.
If they prefer to spend time with their mates in a passive form, suggest that activity provides a fitness benefit. Remind Dad that a balanced diet contributes to a healthy future. You don't want your father to become another statistic. Latest research indicates that obesity remains a high-risk factor in coronary heart disease, particularly in men.
Take time out with your Dad on Sunday and talk about the things that were once taboo. Let him know that your support will always be available and remember to say, `I love you Dad'.
FITNESS TIP: Share the day enjoying `Father's Choice', or show Dad that exercise can be part of your day with time left for other interests.
© 1997 Newcastle Herald