June: Men's Health Awareness Month
Jun 11, 2025
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month: Promoting Wellness and Preventive Care for Men
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Why Men’s Health Month Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely than women to engage in behaviors that increase health risks, such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and avoiding medical care. Men also have shorter life expectancies—by about five years on average—than women in the United States. Many of the leading causes of death among men—such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—are largely preventable through lifestyle changes and routine screenings.
CDC data (2023):
• 1 in 2 men will develop cancer in their lifetime.
• Men are 50% more likely than women to die of heart disease.
• Suicide rates among men are nearly four times higher than among women.
These statistics underscore the need for targeted health interventions and public awareness.
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Key Focus Areas of Men’s Health Month
1. Preventive Screenings
Routine health screenings can detect problems early, when they’re most treatable. These include:
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks (annually or as recommended)
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer (typically starting at age 50, or earlier with risk factors)
• Colorectal cancer screening (beginning at age 45)
• Diabetes testing, especially for men who are overweight or have family history
• Mental health evaluations, particularly for depression and anxiety
2. Healthy Lifestyle Habits
The foundation of good health often lies in daily routines. Men are encouraged to:
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week)
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get adequate sleep (7–9 hours per night)
3. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Despite the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among men, it is crucial to address emotional well-being. Studies show men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, often leading to unaddressed anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
Organizations like Movember and HeadsUpGuys have created targeted campaigns to encourage men to speak openly about their mental health and seek support when needed.
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Men’s Health Week: A Spotlight Within the Month
Men’s Health Week, observed the week leading up to and including Father’s Day (June 10–16, 2025), amplifies the mission of Men’s Health Month. During this time, health organizations, employers, and advocacy groups host special events, such as health fairs, fitness challenges, and screening drives to promote awareness and provide accessible health services.
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Resources for Men’s Health
Here are several reputable organizations and tools for men looking to take charge of their health:
• CDC Men’s Health Resource Center
https://www.cdc.gov/
• Men’s Health Network
https://www.menshealthnetwork.
• Movember Foundation – Mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer awareness
https://us.movember.com/
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Men and Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
• HeadsUpGuys – A resource for men struggling with depression
https://headsupguys.org/
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Conclusion
Men’s Health Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder for men to take control of their health. Through education, preventive screenings, healthier habits, and open conversations—especially about mental health—men can significantly improve their quality of life and longevity. Whether it’s scheduling that overdue checkup, lacing up for a morning walk, or reaching out for emotional support, small steps today can lead to stronger, healthier tomorrows.
Let June be the start of a lifelong commitment to better health.