Following on from Men’s Heath Week in June this year, where we’re focussed on mental health issues, I thought I’d share my experiences of looking after my health during Movember, Men’s Health Awareness Month. This campaign found its origins in Australia in 2003 when I was a mere 36 and as I thought at the time, relatively healthy.
Back then, like most men, I thought I was invincible and would take risks and push my body to the limits. I have been very fortunate and have always been in good health, but as I age, I have had to become more disciplined to maintain a good level of health and I believe that looking after yourself is the most important thing you can do.
I encourage our teams to make time for themselves and to look after their health (good for them and their families and for Elivate) good health = good productivity in all you do. This industry probably more than most is crowded with macho imagery and history and for most men on site, they would find it very difficult to say if they were worried about a health issue and arrange to see their doc.
Women aged 16-44 are twice as likely to visit a GP than men the same age and this age range would cover most of the trades in our business and I think the statistics are likely worse in construction.
Before I turned 50, I made some significant health decisions that I believe enable me to have the stamina and energy I need to run a busy construction company. Thankfully my long-suffering wife and Co-Director Samantha, was of the same opinion, so we started together which was a massive help.
- We began fasting two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and have done so for 7 years. Fasting is proven to improve many aspects of health and helps with weight management. (Sam also enjoys a couple of days off from cooking ☺️)
- We have recently started taking a tbs of apple cider vinegar (with mother) which is healthy natural bacteria (great for good gut health) every morning
- We have a personal training session twice a week with DC Fitness in Woodley, plus we visit the gym once a week for strength training.
These all help to contribute towards a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Being focussed and driven in business is all well and good (and I am) but I wouldn’t be able to maintain it for long without working on me. I see Elivate as an extension of me and want people to see a healthy, caring company, that has the tools and knowledge for the job.
If you are looking for a team of like-minded healthy builders, get in touch for a free quotation.
(The image is me on a recent climb of Ben Nevis)