Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/753672
PROUD PAPA SYNDROME From the moment a child enters the world, everything changes for parents, and studies show that men's health improves after becoming a dad. "WHILE THERE ARE definitely challenges that come with being a parent, fathers who are involved in their children's lives tend to be less stressed and take better care of themselves," says Paul Carroll, Ph.D., a psychologist at New York Methodist Hospital. Research shows that fatherhood may even help prevent heart disease and help men live longer. Part of that has to do with the added physical activity fathers get helping to care for their children. Dads may pace the floor with a restless infant, race to the kitchen for the baby's bottle, hover over toddlers taking their first steps, and jump on their bikes to show their children how its done—all activities that can raise heart rates and help dads be healthier. As a bonus, when parents are active, children typically are, too. Fathers who choose to exercise and do physically challenging activities set a good example for the next generation. Fatherhood can also help men reform their eating habits. Feeding a family is more complicated than feeding one or two people. The more time dads spend thinking about and planning healthful meals for their children, the more likely they are to think about their own food choices, too. Research shows that mindful eating—contemplating food- related decisions, paying attention to feelings of fullness, etc.—is an effective way to maintain a healthy weight and manage diabetes. DO GOOD DADS LIVE LONGER? "The better a man's relationship with his family, the less likely he is to be stressed," Dr. Carroll says. "Men who take the time to get to know their children and be involved in their lives tend to be happier, at home and at work." Unchecked stress, on the other hand, can negatively affect health, the ability to sleep and even the chances of living a long life. Being an involved father can help keep stress levels more manageable. On average, women live five years longer than men. One of the reasons for the discrepancy is that men see the doctor less, so their health problems are less likely to be diagnosed and treated. But dads who take their children to the doctor may be more likely to go to the doctor themselves. It's a good reminder to make an appointment. Fathers also tend to be more health conscious, putting effort into kicking unhealthy habits like smoking. Involved dads want to be there for their families both short- and long-term, and the simple acts associated with being a father may make that easier to accomplish. WIN T ER 2 017/ / W W W.N Y M.O RG 26 26 M E N ' S W E L L N E S S