Did you know? Kiwi men live on average four years less than women, however are less likely to talk about health concerns. Meanwhile, one Kiwi man dies every three hours from a potentially avoidable illness, says Statistics New Zealand.

While these numbers are concerning, there are positive steps men can take to boost their wellbeing, without feeling like they’re compromising their “manliness”.

Naturopath, nutritionist, Lifestream ambassador, and bestselling author Janella Purcell says there does seem to be a growing awareness and interest in preventative health, whether that’s men asking questions or having their partner ask on their behalf.

“From bodybuilders to chefs, school teachers to entrepreneurs, there seems to be a shift towards more men taking responsibility for their life balance and every day wellness needs,” she says. “I’m seeing more men in-clinic for preventative healthcare and I see men asking more questions to help them understand why they might be experiencing certain symptoms.”

She adds: “Men need to know that taking responsibility for their health is far from a sign of weakness—it is an essential part of living life to the fullest.”

Janella says simple steps such as adding a smoothie to a daily routine can be a great way to pack in extra nutrients and fibre, without having to spend much preparation time in the kitchen—or making a “big deal” about putting something healthy into a man’s day.

Men need to know that taking responsibility for their health is far from a sign of weakness—it is an essential part of living life to the fullest.

Other easy-to-implement steps that can be taken to up the good health ante—even for the men who don’t necessarily like focusing on their health day-to-day—include wholefood supplementation that can either be added to smoothies or taken as is.

Supplements that are ideal for optimal men’s health include: