Since 1992, June has been celebrated as national Men’s Health Month. A time to raise awareness about preventable health issues and promote early intervention for men and boys—physically and mentally. For those of us in the counseling field, it’s also a reminder of the unique barriers men face when it comes to seeking care. In the U.S. men have a life expectancy nearly 5 1/2 years shorter than women and are more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, and chronic illnesses. Yet many delay or avoid medical and mental health care often due to cultural stigmas and gender norms around masculinity. Depression and anxiety affect nearly 1 in 10 men, but fewer than half receive care. Alarmingly, men are also four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
This June, you can celebrate Men’s Health Month by encouraging the men in YOUR life to prioritize their well-being and here’s how:
- Support healthy habits: Motivate them to adopt a healthier lifestyle with small, manageable changes.
- Eat better together: Promote a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while cutting back on high in calorie foods, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. You can still enjoy your favorite foods, just try to limit how often and how much you eat each of them.
- Get Moving: Aim for at least 2.5 hours of physical activity per week. Join in on activities they already enjoy—whether it’s a walk, basketball, or biking.
- Schedule Check-Ups: Encourage routine doctor visits, check-ups, and screenings. This helps to catch and address issues early on.
- Know Your Risks: If a man in your life has a family history of certain conditions or is facing health challenges, support him in making positive life changes and getting professional advice. If you, yourself, are at risk or have recently had a health issue; consider making changes to your lifestyle. Talk to men in your life about making an appointment for a check up. Something as simple as taking a walk or doing a physical activity (e.g., basketball club) with your father, brother, husband, son, friend, or co-worker can make a big impact.
Let’s use June as a time to celebrate men—not just with words, but by supporting their journey toward better health, both physically and mentally.