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I used to think it was only my husband that was very dramatic when he was sick until I talked with my sister friends.

“That is the way men are” one of them commented.

“They cannot do anything when they are sick”. Another said.

I hate to generalize but it does appear that most men cannot handle being ill the way women can. Knowing this, it is in our interest as women to make sure that the men in our lives stay healthy.

 June is Men’s Health Month and from June 14^th to June 20^th we will be celebrating Men’s Health Week. It is usually the week before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day with the Friday before Father’s Day (June 18^th), Wear Blue Day for Men’s Health . The purpose of the month, the week and the day is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

We can help our men take charge of their health. Women are often the driving force for the health of our family.

1. Encourage our men to get their check-ups – it might require us scheduling the appointment. When they go, tell them you want to know their numbers – Blood pressure, hemoglobin A1 C (screening test for diabetes) and lipid panel. Depending on their age, they will need to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, depression and prostate and colorectal cancer.

• Encourage our men to be active – they need to move. Tell them that exercise will improve their physical, mental and sexual health. They should get at least 30 minutes a day, however something is better than nothing. You can get some benefits if you join them. I love my three mile walks with my husband.

• Encourage our men to eat healthy every day with every meal – They need to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. They can try a green salad instead of fries.  They can drink water instead of soda or juice.   Remind them that alcohol is full of calories and they should learn to limit the amount. I hated cooking but when I changed my attitude towards cooking and started cooking for the love of my family, cooking became a joy.

• Encourage our men to learn about their family history. By knowing their family history, they can know what diseases they are at risk of getting and will work towards decreasing the risk. My father and his father died at a very young age due to complications of diabetes.  My brothers are aware they are at increased risk. My son is aware.

• Encourage our men to get their vaccines. It never made sense to me when the HPV vaccine was only given to girls. HPV does not discriminate – women and men are at risk. Boys and girls need to get vaccinated. Vaccines are not only for children. There are vaccines that adults need.  When you get your vaccine, ask them the men in your lives whether they go theirs.

• Remind our men that it takes two to get pregnant. They should use birth control  if they are not ready to have a baby. Condoms work if they are used properly all the time. The other added benefit of a condom is to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

• Encourage our men to talk. They need to know it is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength to know when you need help. Check in with them and take time to listen.

• Encourage our men to quit smoking. There is help out there. They can call the 1-800-QUIT-LINE.

• Encourage our men to get enough sleep.  Sleep is important for our physical and mental health.

1. Encourage our men to be with other men. I know I love my occasional ladies night so I will not be depriving my husband of his occasional men’s night. Loneliness is not healthy.

Our husbands, brothers, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, cousins need to know we care. We care by encouraging them to take care of themselves.