The Outdoor Lifestyle

A cowboy's life was made up of more than sitting around campfires. It also involved lots of time in the fresh air and a good deal of physical activity, health lessons we could learn from.

The Great Outdoors

No matter the environment you live in — the plains, forest or coast — spending more time outdoors can boost your immune system, increase your energy levels and improve your sleep. It also increases your ability to focus, making it easier to complete tasks at work or around the house. In moderate amounts, sunlight can stimulate your body's production of vitamin D and protect you against cancer, osteoporosis and depression.

Rope and Ride

From driving cattle to building fences, cowboys are constantly active. Moderately intense activity of any kind for at least 150 minutes per week protects your heart, and if you push that total a little higher, you can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.

Be sure to include strength training — just like cowboys had to build up muscle to control their horses, you need core strength and flexibility to prevent falls and other injuries.

Shield Yourself

Spending so much time outdoors comes with a great deal of exposure to the sun, including harmful ultraviolet rays, both UVA and UVB. Dress like a cowboy and cover up as much of your body as possible, with long sleeved shirts, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat, which will protect your neck as well as your face.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, men older than age 50 are twice as likely to die from melanoma as women. That isn't because men are more vulnerable to the effects of the sun — it's because they're less aware of their risk. Fortunately, prevention is possible.

While the outdoors may offer more variety for activity than the gym, take appropriate precautions. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes, and choose workout gear that protects much of your skin.

The Skin Cancer Foundation's study found only 51 percent of men used sunscreen last year. A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 can dramatically reduce your exposure to damaging rays.

Using a mirror, take a look at your entire body each month, and contact your doctor if you find any suspicious spots.

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