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I was at a conference a few months ago talking about ways women can improve their health and a man stood up and asked:

“What about the men – who is talking about men’s health?”

I was not talking about it then, but I am talking about it now.  June is Men’s Health Month and from June 11^th to June 17^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, Wear Blue Day. 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.

Did you know?¹

• On average men live about 5 years less than women.
• Men have a higher death rate for most leading causes of death including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and suicide
• 1 in 2 men will develop cancer
• Approximately 30,000 men die each year from prostate cancer
• Men are less likely to go to preventative physician visits as women
• Men are more likely to be uninsured than women

The Office of Minority Health offers the Five Plays for Men’s Health² to stay at the top of their game:

1. We will protect this heart: Healthier food choices build a healthier heart – make fruits and vegetables half of your plate – I was recently introduced to this website –celebrateyourplate.org for wonderful recipes and good information about Farmer’s Markets nearby and places to get healthy foods at low cost. Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables is not expensive. The trick is to get what is in season in your area.
2. Bro, you don’t even have to lift: Getting just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you live longer and healthier. I do believe it would be great to incorporate aerobic, strength training, flexibility and balance into your workout, but something is better than nothing.
3. Preventive maintenance: Getting regular check-ups can catch small problems before they become big problems. Ladies, this is where you can make a difference – schedule their appointments for them if they are not doing it themselves.
4. Quitting time: Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke and…a greater risk of erectile dysfunction. If you do not know where to go, you can call -1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669),
5. Hey man, you good? Life can get tough, and talking things through with a mental health professional can help. Please let your loved ones know that you love them and you will have their back. There is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255.

Wishing all the men in our lives – Fathers, Step-Fathers, Husbands, Uncles, Brothers, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends peace, love, happiness and good health. Happy Father’s Day in advance.

¹http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/wearblue/friday/

²https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/content.aspx?ID=10238