Get inspiration from active HCA Healthcare colleagues, plus tips on what to talk about—and when—with your doctor.
Guys, the month of June is all about you. Not only is Father’s Day on June 21, but the entire month is dedicated to men’s health. We all want to stay healthy, but finding the time and ensuring that you have the tools to make significant changes can be tough. Now is a great time to refocus on the importance of taking care of yourself—from staying active to keeping up with regular health screenings. Here, we offer up some motivation and advice for both.
Fit dads tell all
For Father’s Day, we asked three HCA Healthcare colleagues—who are also dads—to share their thoughts on men’s health and balancing parenthood, their careers and an active lifestyle.
DeVry Anderson, MD
Job: Chief medical officer at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center in Austin, Texas
Children: Calvin, 24; Jasmine, 22; and Camille, 18
“I was a triple-letter varsity athlete in high school: football, wrestling and track. At the United States Military Academy at West Point—where I played football, wrestled intramurally and participated on the boxing team—and during my 24 years of active duty, physical fitness was simply a way of life.”
“My wife and I encourage our children to stay active. Sports are critical for the development of young adults: They not only teach about maintaining a healthy body, but also about teamwork, sacrifice, preparation, commitment, organization, overcoming adversity and the costs of victory.”
Levi Friedly
Job: Regional director of Facilities Management, North Carolina Division, in Asheville, N.C.
Children: Noah, 9; Abby, 7; and Liam, 5
“Life is about balance. I’ve heard: Life is about time, energy and money, but only two at a time in each stage of life. There’s some truth in that, but it extends much further. I want to be an active participant in my family’s life. I don’t want to watch from the sideline.”
“My ideal morning workout is stretching, a 3-mile run, 30 minutes on the punching bag, 50 pushups, 100 crunches and 100 leg lifts—and in the evening, a 2-mile run, 50 pushups and stretching. I’ve never completed this in one day. Life is too busy. As a lifestyle—and as the kids are getting bigger—we’re getting out more with hiking, walks, swimming and games of tag. Being active is the key.”
My workout is not pivotal to my work—activity is. A morning workout helps, but an active life is the key. When I’m active, my mind is clearer, and I can make better decisions more quickly. My work improves if I stay active.— Levi Friedly
Carlos Delgado
Job: IT director at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Fla.
Children: Arabella, 6
“I believe that an active lifestyle helps make you a well-rounded person. The lessons and experiences instilled through sports have made an impact on how I overcome everyday challenges. It encourages me to live an active lifestyle and support my family in doing the same.”
“I start with a workout session at 5 a.m., five or six days a week. It helps put me in a better mood, powers me through the day, reduces my stress level, and improves my concentration and cognition, boosting my critical thinking and creativity.”
“Being the best dad to Arabella is my passion. Showing her the benefits of a healthy lifestyle is important. It brings us closer together and strengthens our spirit, our minds and our relationship.”
Time for a checkup
Leading an active lifestyle is only part of the equation that adds up to good men’s health. Regular checkups with your doctor are just as important—and much harder to get men to do. In fact, in a recent Cleveland Clinic survey, 72% of men who responded said they’d rather do household chores—like mowing the lawn or even cleaning the bathroom—than go to the doctor. When you do go, here is some advice on what to discuss—and when.
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