Our dads are rad, and as we’re thinking about our fathers this month, we also celebrate Men’s Health Week, this year running from June 10-16.
Initiated 30 years ago in the United States and now celebrated worldwide, Men’s Health Week raises awareness of preventable health problems facing men, encouraging them to take action to improve their overall health and physical well-being.
“Research suggests men are less likely to seek healthcare than women,” said TOPS President Rick Danforth. “Three out of five men receive yearly physicals, and 40 percent see their doctors only in the case of a serious health issue.”
TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, wants to inspire men to take their health seriously. “With 60 percent of overweight or obese adult males and 350,000 men losing their fight against heart disease each year, the benefits they can receive from a TOPS chapter can be lifesaving,” Danforth said.
A Supportive Community
Those who have struggled with weight loss are not alone in a TOPS chapter. “Every member has experienced the same or similar situations, and he or she may understand what you’re going through more than your family members or friends might,” said Danforth.
TOPS chapter members share their goals, progress, and setbacks. This helps with motivation, and because it’s easy to make excuses when you’re on your own, it also holds everyone accountable to the group. “Members encourage you when you fall and celebrate with you when you achieve a goal — big or small,” he said.
Available Resources
While TOPS chapter meetings focus on peer support, they also provide a wealth of information about how to go about losing weight. The organization provides members with information about regular exercise, healthy eating, and wellness at every meeting. “Members also share practical tips and tricks that they found helpful in their weight loss journey,” said Danforth. “These insights might help you achieve success.”
A Sense of Hope
There can be many ups and downs when trying to shed pounds. “TOPS chapter meetings are a safe space to share the rollercoaster of emotions you may be feeling—including frustrations and wins,” he said. “Joining a group that can hear you out guards against isolation, boosts your mood, and increases self-confidence and resilience.”
A Networking Opportunity
While TOPS members are serious about losing weight, they also have fun. “Joining the group can lead to making new friends or finding a new workout buddy,” Danforth said.
About TOPS®
TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is the original weight-loss support and wellness education organization. Founded in 1948, TOPS is the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind. TOPS promotes successful weight management with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise, and wellness information.
Today there are about 65,000 members, including men, women, and international members who join chapter meetings online, with thousands of chapters in all 50 states and Canada. TOPS also has an online program for people who might prefer that model or who live too far to attend in-person chapter meetings. Online resources include news and information from the health and inspirational community, meal planning ideas, workouts, chapter resources, and more.
Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable, starting at $49 per year in the U.S. and $59 annually in Canada, plus nominal chapter fees. Join TOPS, visit www.tops.org, or call 800-932-8677 to learn more about TOPS and to find a local chapter.