What better day to celebrate dad than Father's Day? Celebrated every year on the second Sunday in June, Father's Day is a great reminder of all the things our dads do for us - from making us feel safe to mowing the lawn to fixing things around the house.

Dads might be used to putting everyone else first, but it's important to remind them to also take care of themselves - especially when it comes to their heart health.

While dad might be expecting tools or ties as gifts this year, switch it up and spend the day outdoors or staying active.

Why Men's Health Matters

Let’s face it - dads are known for brushing things off. Whether it’s skipping doctor’s appointments or ignoring pain, many men put their health on the back burner. But when it comes to heart health, ignoring the signs can be a costly mistake.

Around 320 million men in the world are living with heart disease. In 2021, at least 10.5 million men died of heart and circulatory diseases, making it the leading cause of death globally.

That’s our dads, brothers, sons, and uncles. And yet, men are significantly less likely than women to go to the doctor or keep up with regular check-ups.

It’s not just older men, either. Research shows that high blood pressure is becoming more common in men as young as their 30s, and men are more likely than women to have a heart attack before age 55. Combine that with bad habits like smoking, poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise, and it becomes a recipe for disaster.

So while we’re celebrating Father’s Day with backyard barbecues and DIY projects, let’s also use this moment to check in on the dads in our lives. A simple conversation about blood pressure, cholesterol, or scheduling that overdue physical could make a bigger impact than any power drill or necktie ever could.

How to Stay Active With Dad

This Father’s Day, instead of defaulting to a powerdrill or necktie, why not give dad the gift of movement? Staying active together is one of the best ways to support heart health - for both of you. Here are a few fun (and sneaky) ways to get moving while making memories.

Hit the Golf Course

Golf isn’t just about the swing - it’s about the steps. A full round of golf can rack up anywhere between 7,000 to 10,000 steps, especially if you ditch the cart. Plus, the fresh air and friendly competition are a great way to boost heart health and lower stress. Even a trip to the driving range gets the body moving.

Go for a Walk

It sounds simple, but walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support heart health. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a trail, or even through the park, walking for just 30 minutes a day can lower blood pressure and improve heart function.

Help With Yardwork

Believe it or not, mowing the lawn, planting flowers, or pulling weeds can give your heart a solid workout. Yardwork combines strength, cardio, and flexibility, and it can often be a favorite “dad thing” to do. Team up and turn chores into a chance to move and bond.

Take a Bike Ride

Biking is a great low-impact exercise that’s gentle on the joints but tough enough to get your heart rate up. Whether you’re cruising the streets or hitting a bike trail, cycling is a fun and effective way to sneak in some cardio.

Play Catch

Sometimes, the best way to connect is through a good old-fashioned game of catch. It’s simple, nostalgic, and surprisingly active. Throwing a baseball or football back and forth might not seem like a workout, but it gets the body moving and the heart pumping.