June is Men’s Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about health care for men and focus on encouraging boys, men, and their families to practice and implement healthy living decisions, such as exercising and eating healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States, on average, die 5 years earlier than women and die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death, heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries. During Men’s Health Month, we encourage men to take control of their health, and for families to teach young boys healthy habits throughout childhood. The official symbol for the month is a blue ribbon and the purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and depression.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH MONTH
Tweak your diet
Men's Health Month is a great opportunity to change the way you eat. Cut back on alcohol this month or up your intake of healthy fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir. You can do anything for a month, and if you do it for a month, you can do it for life!
Set some goals
Use this month to take stock of your health now and think about where you want it to be. Do you want to lose weight? Gain muscle? Simply eat more vegetables? Set small and achievable goals and work with your doctor to make them a reality.
Get educated
Take this opportunity to read about the common health issues that are specific to men and how you can prevent yourself from getting hurt! Check out the CDC for information on health issues that men face.
WHY NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH MONTH IS IMPORTANT
That checks out
If you're stressing about a symptom—a busted knee, a persistent headache—it can be easy to get in a cycle of worrying about it. But going to the doctor can do two incredible things: one, it can figure out what's wrong, but two, it can keep you from worrying! Men's Health Month encourages you to get yourself checked out so you can feel better—and stop worrying.
A conversation starter
Men's Health Month gets people talking about health, which gets people acting about health. Gyms get joined, appointments get made, and resolutions get promised. It's a beautiful thing. Join in!
An excuse for pampering
Lots of things that are good for your body are also good for your soul! Play some golf, get a massage, take an extra-long nap. It's all healthy, and if anyone asks the occasion, you've got an answer at the ready: Men's Health Month!
