"The Men Have Spoken: 9 Things Men Love To Hear"

 

Society would have you believe that men don’t have any feelings or show emotions, but in fact, men are as much emotional beings as women are.  Yes, even so-called “real” men, too. The power of the spoken word is healing or detrimental – depending on how you use it. So, let’s lift up the men we love with our words. Here’s nine phrases that the 100 men we surveyed wanted to hear:

9. “I’M PROUD OF YOU”

Men see their self-worth differently than women do. I remember being asked why I am so driven to succeed professionally. “Isn’t being a good man enough?” We strive towards goals and accomplishments whether it be at our job or a business we have chosen to start. Much of our confidence is dependent on how well we do in accomplishing these goals. Having the support of the woman in our life and know that you think we are doing a good job (professionally or personally) is reassuring in ways that many other statements can never be.

8. “THANK YOU”

Whether it is something small like picking up your prescription down the street, taking you to dinner, or getting that coffee in the morning — these two small words go a long way. Kindness should never be given to someone for the sake of a return, but appreciation should always be expressed when someone puts in effort.

7. “I SEE YOU”

Men get down on themselves about their bodies, too. We all want to have better abs or a more defined chest. We want to feel like we can protect you and ourselves. We want to feel strong. We want to feel like men. When we do put in the effort to start eating better and working out, we are hoping it gets noticed. But, not just by anyone — BY YOU. Telling us that you can see an improvement (no matter how small) from our efforts will reinforce us and encourage us to continue along our path. Staying motivated is not easy.

6. “I TRUST YOU”

With all of the negativity floating around in the world today, it is much easier to keep ourselves guarded and not fully trust somebody. The truth is, though, that if a man does not feel trusted, he will constantly feel insecure in the relationship. He will feel that you will be suspicious of everything he does or says and that you will not fully open up to him about how you feel. If a man knows that you trust him, it will bring a new level of security to the relationship.

5. “YOU LOOK HANDSOME”

It is said a good man should always remind his woman how beautiful he thinks she is–in part because he doesn’t want another man to do it more than him. Yet, it's also a great feeling for a man to be told he is handsome by someone he cares about. Just the word ‘handsome’ holds a different meaning than other compliments and seems to hit us a little differently. For those of us who do put effort into our appearance and don’t just toss on a t-shirt and jeans to go out to dinner, it is appreciated when our efforts are noticed. And even if we are known just to put on a t-shirt and jeans, when we do something different, it should be noticed as well.

4. “I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR PAST”

Putting it out there plain and simple for any man to know and believe is a great way to let him know that no matter what happened in the past, his past hurts, his past transgressions, that you’re still there and want only him. Even the so-called “players” have their time that they want to settle down. If you put it all out on the table, that man can never say he did not know.

3. “I SUPPORT YOU”

Whether we are working on a new business, starting a new gym routine, taking a new class, or undertaking any other venture in life — knowing that we have the undying support of the woman we love will make us feel like we always have a safety net for when things get rough.

2. “I APPRECIATE YOU”

This goes beyond the ‘thank you’ point, because appreciating someone for the person that they are is on a different level than appreciating things that they do for you. As men who work to keep you happy, become the best versions of ourselves, be good to others and to our family — it is very important to us to know that our efforts are truly appreciated.

1. “YOU MAKE ME HAPPY”

Wow! This statement right here is amazing. It encompasses the support, appreciation and trust. Any gentleman who is in a relationship will be striving to be a source of happiness in his woman’s life. Make sure he realizes that he is.

SOURCE: November 14, 2021 by Carter Higgins, BDO (BlackDoctor.Org, Special Contributor

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the Black Doctor and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Black Doctor and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Black Doctor and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Black Doctor and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by Black Doctor, Black Doctor employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of Black Doctor, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

"Why African-Americans May Benefit the Most From a Vegan Diet?"

 

Black Veganism:

To some, this may sound like an oxymoron. Many people may assume that a Black/African American vegan is actually very rare.

But this isn’t necessarily true. I recently discovered this website called Black 

Vegans Rock. This site is essentially a bible for Africans Americans who are 

vegan or “vegan curious,” because apparently, there aren’t many resources 

which specifically cater to black vegans. 

One of the contributors to Black Vegans Rock created a list of 100 Black 

Vegans to Check Out. 

 

You may be surprised to know that Coretta Scott King (wife of Dr. Martin 

Luther King, Jr.) was reportedly a vegan for more than 10 years before her death. Other black vegans include singer Erykah Badu, Senator Cory Booker, 

entrepreneur and record executive Russell Simmons and more.

To clarify, a vegan diet is a plant-based diet, completely void of animal foods like meat, seafood, eggs and dairy. Even honey is off the list of acceptable vegan foods. Vegans eat a lot of fruits, and vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Eating vegan eliminates many processed foods in the American diet, like donuts and baked goods, which may contain butter, milk and eggs. And, of course, a vegan diet eliminates high cholesterol foods such as red meat.

There are many reasons why some people may go vegan. Some of these reasons may include a concern for the environment, passion for animal rights or even spiritual. But perhaps the biggest reason of all is for better health.

According to a recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition, people who followed a vegan diet were overall healthier with higher levels of unsaturated fats and antioxidants in their blood and lower levels of saturated fats.

Not to mention, a vegan diet, which as mentioned is rich in whole foods such as fruits and veggies, is rich in nutrients (magnesium, zinc, calcium, selenium, copper and vitamins A, C and E - just to name a few) that have protective effects against cardiovascular disease, cancer and other major illnesses. 

Furthermore, another recent study from the Journal of the American Heart Association found evidence which showed that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of incident cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease mortality and all-cause mortality in a general population of middle-aged adults.

So, it’s pretty clear that diet plays a major role in cardiovascular disease and that eating more plants can definitely lower the risk of CVD. And although the black vegan population is becoming more visible, heart disease in the African American community is a major concern. 

Check out these facts and statistics:

• Black Americans have a shorter life expectancy than whites partly due to higher rates of heart disease and stroke (American Heart Association).
• African Americans ages 18-49 are two times as likely to die from heart disease than whites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
• African-Americans are disproportionately affected by obesity (a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke). Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, 63 percent of men and 77 percent of women are overweight or obese (American Heart Association).
• African Americans ages 35-64 are 50 percent more likely to have high blood pressure (another major risk factor for heart disease and stroke) than whites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
• Around 75 percent of black men and women develop high blood pressure by age 55, compared to 55 percent of white men and 40 percent of white women of the same age (American Heart Association).
• Nearly 44 percent of African American men and 48 percent of African American women have some form of cardiovascular disease that includes heart disease and stroke.

Interestingly, a recent study found that a vegan diet may decrease heart disease 

and stroke risk in African Americans. Study participants included 50 African Americans who were instructed to only eat prepared vegan meals delivered to 

their homes for a duration of five weeks.

 

“A cardiovascular risk calculator was used to assess their risk of heart attack 

or stroke over the next 10 years,” according to one report discussing the study.

 

“For 36 participants who had pre- and post-diet risk scores, their risk fell by 

about 19%—from 10.83% to 8.74%.”

 

Although more research is needed (including with a larger population of African American people), this is still a major finding after just five weeks.

 

Furthermore, the results revealed that a vegan diet in African Americans 

reduced bad cholesterol levels by 14 percent and the diet reduced systolic 

blood pressure by 10 points. 

 

In addition to all this, there is evidence that “African-Americans may carry a 

gene that makes them more salt sensitive, increasing the risk of high blood pressure,” according to the American Heart Association.

 

(Also know that Afro-Caribbeans need to be very mindful of high blood pressure).

 

A vegan diet really cuts the salt since it eliminates a lot of sodium-rich, processed foods.

 

So, should African Americans jump on the vegan bandwagon?

 

I wish this question was easier to answer. Diet really needs to be tailored to the individual (despite race, gender and age). Speak with a competent healthcare professional about going vegan if you have existing heart disease or other 

metabolic or health issues. And, of course, you need to seek advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

If you decide to be vegan, it is imperative to avoid nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. So, it is extremely important to get professional advice regarding nutrition and supplementation.

 

What I can say for sure is that it may be beneficial to at least be a part-time 

vegan or significantly reduce your consumption of meat. If going 100 percent 

vegan is too overwhelming at the moment, try going meat-free or dairy-free 

for one day a week and then increase that to two days a week and then three, etc. 

 

You can also make your portions of meat smaller or aim to not have meat at 

every meal. Or maybe give up pork and steak and just eat fish and poultry. 

No matter what you decide, always make nutrient-dense fruits and veggies the “stars” of your plate. Meats and cheeses should play “the supporting roles.”

 

What about the holidays?

 

It may sound crazy, but the holidays are a great time to adopt healthier lifestyle habits and share them with your loved ones. Add some vegan dishes to the next holiday dinner you host. 

 

Enjoy your healthy life!

By: Joy Stephenson-Laws, J.D., Founder, Proactive Health

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a 

variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes 

the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all 

pH programs, products and services.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the pH Proactive Health and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the pH Proactive Health and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the pH Proactive Health and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. pH Proactive Health and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by pH Proactive Health, pH Proactive Health employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of pH Proactive Health, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.