The benefits of COUPLE WORKOUTS
How to keep your hubby healthy
You vowed to stand by each other in sickness and in health, but what if you have concerns about your loved one’s wellbeing? Dr Andrew Thompson from Instantscripts explains how a shared health kick can help your partner stay in tiptop shape.
HOW YOUR RELATIONSHIP IMPACTS YOUR HEALTH
“Partners in a long-term relationship can impact each other’s health both positively and negatively,” says Dr Thompson. “There are several studies that suggest people are more likely to adopt positive health behaviours if their partner does too.” One study found that women who smoked were 50 per cent more likely to successfully quit when their partner also gave up the habit. So if you’re looking to improve your spouse’s health, make sure you have their back and work on your own as well.
MEN’S HEALTH
Dr Thompson explains that men are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and alcohol-related problems when compared to women. “As we get older these conditions manifest, and it is only through routine screening with your doctor that many of [them] can be picked up,” he says. “Routine screening is also important for prostate and bowel cancer, which men are also at increased risk of developing as they age.” Men are also traditionally less likely to seek treatment than women for mental health issues, which can potentially have long lasting and devastating consequences.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
While there are obvious signs something might be wrong with your partner’s health, like chest pain or shortness of breath, Dr Thompson says there are also subtle signs that can be harder to spot if you’re not paying attention.
“[Ask yourself] is your husband no longer able to do as much as he used to? Does playing with the kids tire him out quickly? Has he put on a significant amount of weight?” says Dr Thompson. “All of these could point to signs of poor overall health and can warrant a discussion with a medical professional.”