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There are many themes for the month of June, and one of them is Men's Health Awareness. This is a time to shine a light on the importance of men tending to their health in all forms.
According to Summit Medical, The Cleveland Clinic surveyed more than 500 American men ages 18-70 about their use of healthcare resources and found:
Only 3 out of 5 men get annual physicals
Over 40% of men only go to the doctor when they think they have a serious medical condition
More than half of men said their health wasn't something they talk about.
Summit Medical revealed a number of other unsettling claims about men's health including the fact that men are less likely to seek medical attention than women, as well as the fact that mental health is one of the most stigmatized issues affecting men. For the month of June, we intend to encourage boys and men to take charge of their overall health by implementing healthy living decisions. In this blog, we will explore specific ways in which sound can be used to support healthy habits.
Mental Health:
Men's mental health has been an area of growing concern, as men are traditionally encouraged to override their emotions. Emotional well-being is a big part of mental health, and it is important for men to feel empowered to tend to their emotional side and find ways to ease their minds for the sake of their overall health. Sound therapy can be a valuable tool in managing conditions like anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to various studies, exposure to relaxing music can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood. Similarly, rhythmic auditory stimulation, such as drumming or repetitive beats, has been found to enhance cognitive processing and emotional regulation, benefiting men's mental well-being. See our article titled, "Sounds For Stress Relief" for some resources on sounds that can soothe your mind.
Sound for Physical Recovery:
Active men often face physical challenges, including muscle soreness, injuries, and fatigue. Sound therapy can play a role in promoting physical recovery and enhancing performance. Listening to upbeat music during exercise can enhance exercise performance, increase motivation, and decrease perceived effort. Furthermore, studies have shown that sound frequency vibrations can aid physical recovery. Low-frequency sound waves correspond with lower frequency brainwaves which are crucial in stimulating the healing process in our bodies. According to an academic journal, lower frequency brain waves can stimulate the release of nitric oxide, which signals smooth muscles to relax, so our blood vessels dilate and increase blood flow. See our article titled, Healing Chronic Pain with Low-Frequency Sound to learn how low frequency sound therapy can assist in muscle recovery and/or healing chronic pain.
Sleep:
A good night's sleep is vital for everyone's overall well-being. Sleep deprivation can lead to a range of health issues, including impaired cognitive function, reduced immune function, and increased risk of chronic conditions. According to UCLA Health, "for many men, sleep is just one more thing at the bottom of the list of all that needs to be done in a day. It seems like wasted time that prevents them from getting any work done". Sound-based interventions such as white noise, soothing melodies, or binaural beats have shown promising results in improving sleep quality. Studies have found that white noise significantly improved sleep efficiency and reduced sleep latency in men with insomnia. Stay tuned for an upcoming article on the importance of sleep as well as resources to help you get a good night's rest.
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