Recently the team at RF Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Limited provided me with the opportunity to

speak to their male employees on the topic: Take care of your body now and later your body

will take care of you. The all testosterone environment allowed us to engage and interact with

each other in manner that may have been less welcoming in a coed environment.

So why the axe?

Let’;s start by examining the importance of physical health. Just like an axe, your body is a tool

that needs regular maintenance to work efficiently. Engaging in physical activity and

maintaining a healthy diet can help you avoid a wide range of health problems, including heart

disease, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, regular exercise can help you manage stress,

improve your mood, and boost your overall quality of life.

Another important aspect of men's health is mental wellness. Just like an axe needs to be

sharpened regularly to maintain its effectiveness, your mind also needs regular maintenance to

keep you functioning at your best. This means taking time to manage your stress, getting

enough sleep, and engaging in activities that you enjoy. Mental wellness is a critical component

of overall health and can have a profound impact on your ability to achieve your goals and lead

a fulfilling life.

Did you know that roughly 1 in 4 men experience anxiety or depression in their lifetime? And

yet, men are less likely to seek help for these issues than women. We need to break down the

stigma surrounding men's mental health and encourage each other to prioritize our well-being.

On the physical side, heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the United

States. This can often be prevented through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking.

But wellness goes beyond just avoiding sickness. It's about living a fulfilling life, setting

achievable goals, cultivating meaningful relationships, and finding purpose in our work.

In the same manner that an axe chops wood, we are to use our axe to sever those individuals

and environments that weight us down; slice away those thoughts of self-doubt and negativity;

and to split our time wisely in the process of becoming our best selves

So my charge to you is this: take small steps each day towards a healthier, happier you.

Whether it’s going for a walk during lunch, trying a new healthy recipe, or scheduling that

overdue check-up with your doctor. Remember, by taking care of ourselves, we become better

partners, fathers, colleagues, and friends.

Continue to sharpen your axe men!

Chop Wood

Finish strong