June is Men’s Health Month and we want to celebrate! Historically men have represented a minority in the field of nursing, but in recent years, male nurses have become more commonplace. Nurse anesthetists are among the fastest growing specialty for male nurses, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an employment growth of over 16% from 2016 to 2026. In a career dedicated to the well-being of others, studies show that nurses and others in the healthcare space tend to neglect their own health. In the spirit of celebrating men’s health, we’ve mapped out a few tips to help the male nurse stay healthy while on travel assignments.

Awareness

As we age, the ratio of men to women becomes more skewed: men predeceasing women. How can we build the bridge in this growing gender gap seen in our population? Awareness of risks and knowledge of proactive measures is the first step in combating the statistics. Some of the dominant risk factors observed by experts include poor diet habits, little to no physical activity, and the skipping of routine health exams.

Nutrition while Traveling

A travel career in nursing is demanding and does not lend itself to planning well-balanced meals. This doesn’t mean nutrition shouldn’t be prioritized, nor does it mean healthy dieting needs to be complex.  A candy bar may be time effective but probably won’t hold you over for several hours. It’s important to eat nutritiously dense meals so you don’t end up reaching for junk later in the day. Here are a few health-friendly options when you’re on the go:

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Raw vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Greek yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Grilled chicken
• Fresh berries
• Tuna in a pouch

Physical Activity

No gym, no problem. While you may not have access to your regular work-out equipment during travel assignments, mixing up your routine can be invigorating. Don’t underestimate the power of gear-free ways to stay in shape. Lunges, wall sits, squats, pushups, jumping jacks, and planks are both challenging and travel-friendly. If you’re a tactile person and prefer using exercise tools, consider traveling with resistance bands or a jump rope. Light-weight gear is ideal for those who want to stay in shape while on the go. Another great option is to get to know your new surroundings by going on a run at a local park or taking a long walk around the neighborhood after dinner. It’s important to embrace your home away from home—exercise and adventure easily go hand in hand when you put in the work.

Health Exams

Typically, women are more likely than men to schedule an annual doctor’s visit for preventative healthcare. We recommend visiting your regular physician for a pre-travel checkup to avoid the chaos of finding someone new away from home. If you become sick while on assignment and need to find a physician, check to see if your insurance offers a telemedicine service. Men’s health not only impacts their lives, but the lives of their significant others, children, family, and friends. It’s all our responsibility to promote health awareness and support of the men we love.

Cut it Out

The Center for Disease Control reports that on average, men pass away 5.6 years earlier than women. They also report that heart disease and cancer account for almost 50% of deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is one of the most prominent forms of cancer among men. It is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent getting cancer, there are many controllable variables that can significantly reduce your chances of getting it. The ACA estimates that 80% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Men’s Health Month is a great opportunity to quit smoking to significantly reduce your chances of developing this disease. Explore online resources for tips on how to kick this habit!

Let us be your guide!

The experts at MedPro will help you find placements in the best cities to further your allied travel career. In addition, because we want each assignment to be your best yet, we offer the MedPro Experience® program—a personalized employee experience program that embraces and celebrates you! To learn more and begin your allied travel career, contact us today at 1-800-866-8108, or apply here!