Men’s Health Week is June 10-16

Men’s Health Week Aims to Save Lives

Men’s Health Week, celebrated during the week leading up to Father’s Day, is dedicated to raising awareness about health issues that affect men disproportionately. Did you know that, in the U.S., the COVID-19 pandemic was the most significant reason for men’s life expectancy drifting even farther below that of women? Or that almost 13% of men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime (and that rate is higher for men of African descent)? In this blog, we’ll talk about Men’s Health Week’s history, goals, challenges, and how you can participate!

History

The U.S. Congress established Men’s Health Week as a national observance in 1994. The goal was relatively simple: to promote a prevention-forward mindset as opposed to a treatment-forward one. Generally, this notion is one that the medical community widely stresses. However, educating people about men’s health is critical to foster a mentality that focuses on prevention. You don’t know what you don’t know, right?

In 2002, Men’s Health Week was “internationalized” when men’s health organizations convened in Vienna, Austria, to advocate for its establishment in other countries. In their eyes, the cause was good enough to be shared globally.

Goals

So, for the week leading up to June’s third Sunday, medical institutions and advocacy groups dedicate efforts toward spreading wellness and prevention information. What’s more, is that free screenings become more widely available. The goal, as I mentioned earlier, is to promote prevention. Treatment, ultimately, should be used as a second line of defense. Aside from prevention efforts being a safer alternative to needing treatment, they are also usually more cost-effective.

One of the best ways illnesses are prevented is by forming healthy habits. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking can significantly improve overall health. But you know that already. Some other health habits that doctors promote more readily today include going for more frequent medical checkups, sleep hygiene, building strong relationships, and taking care of your mental health. Mental health, as it may not have been stressed in your early education, is just as important as physical health. Did you know that, in 2022, the suicide rate for men was 3.8 times higher than that for women? This is just one of the reasons it’s important to stress mental health wellness to women and men alike.

How Can You Participate in Men’s Health Week?

There are many ways you can participate in Men’s Health Week this week. If you are a man, one of the best ways you can participate is by going for a health screening! A safe bet is to reach out to your local health department to see if there are any organizations offering free screenings in your area. Screenings for hypertension, cholesterol levels, and diabetes can catch potential problems early.

You can also have fun this week by attending a local event. Runs, bike rides, and sports tournaments are organized to promote physical activity and community participation. These events are a great way to stay fit and connected (remember earlier when I mentioned physical activity and forming strong relationships? For a non-exhaustive list of institutions that have hosted events and screenings in the past, check out Men’s Health Month’s website.