June, Men’s Health Month, is an opportunity to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems, encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys, and encourage  families to practice a healthy lifestyle. One way for men to practice a healthy lifestyle is taking care of their mental health and wellbeing. 

To draw attention to improving Men’s health, the Men’s Health Network created Wear Blue Friday, celebrated on the Friday before Father’s Day, June 17th. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue that day to draw attention to a silent health crisis in America. American men live sicker and die younger than American women. The need for this extra attention is exemplified in these health facts from the Men’s Health Network: 

  • In 1920, women lived an average one year longer than men. Now, men die almost five years earlier than women. (CDC) 
  • Women are 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men. (CDC 2001 
  • Men die at higher rates than women from 9 of the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92% of workplace deaths. (BLS) 
  • Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, accounting for 78% of suicides in the United States. 

For men over 65 these health screenings are recommended to help prevent, detect, and treat diseases: 

  • Full Checkup with Height, Weight, Skin Exams yearly 
  • Blood Pressure Check yearly 
  • Blood Tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Kidney Dysfunction yearly 
  • Discuss with health care provider about the pros and cons of prostate cancer testing 
  • If a long-term smoker, discuss benefits/risks of lung cancer screening with physician 
  • Colorectal Screening:  
  • Colonoscopy at least every 10 years
  • Fecal Occult Test yearly 
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, both partners should get tested, including HIV before initiating sexual intercourse 
  • Eye (including glaucoma screening) and Ear Exams every 1-2 years 
  • Dental Exam 1 to 2 times a year 
  • Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster every 10 years 
  • Influenza Vaccine yearly 
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine 
  • Shingles Vaccine 
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening with ultrasound one time for men who have ever smoked 
  • COVID-19 vaccine 

This year for Father’s Day, do more than buy a card for the men in your family, talk to them about improving their own health prognosis. Invite the men in your life on a walk, or to play a game of pickleball, tennis, baseball, or basketball. Plan healthy meals with meatless Mondays, reduce portion sizes and alcohol consumption. The whole family will benefit from a healthy change, not just the men.