Women for men apparently key figures

Role model: Women usually live healthier lives

31/03/2014

Women are usually healthier than men. As a result, they often become key figures in terms of health for their partners. By acting as role models, women could help men maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Women have role models
In terms of health, women are key figures for men. For in the family, women are still more responsible for health issues, as Elisabeth Pott, director of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), on the occasion of the Men's Health Congress in Berlin, said. They would learn more about health care and be more concerned about their own health and that of their family. As a result, they could serve as a role model and help their men maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Men live unhealthier
There are still big differences between the sexes in terms of health behavior. Men smoke more often and drink both more often and more alcohol than women. They are also often overweight and have a higher risk of obesity. Studies also showed that men have a higher cardiovascular disease risk. And they often suffer a heart attack. On average, men are less likely to go to the doctor and take health promotion and prevention less often than women.

Prohibition with finger pointing does not work well in men
There are also clear differences when it comes to nutrition. According to studies, men eat more meat and less fiber-rich food than women. Only about one in three men eat vegetables every day. „It's never about puristic solutions“, said Pott. For example, women might try to make healthy ingredients tasty for their husbands, even without steaks and the like. According to the expert, banned fingerprints on men would not work well anyway: „A positive response is much easier for men to accept.“

Clear rules for alcohol
However, alcohol can help to set clear rules. As an example Pott called: „We only drink at the weekend, not more during the week.“ Once the man passes this rule for a few weeks, he also notices that he feels better about it. Furthermore, women could motivate men in the field of exercise. Most people are still active in sports as young people, but when they start their career, the sport often takes a back seat. Pott recommends that women reintroduce sport in families as a common activity. (Sb)