June is Men's Health Month — Get Involved

Did you know there was a month entirely dedicated to raising awareness for issues impacting the health and wellness of men and boys? June will honor the 23rd annual Men's Health Month.

The month also coincides with Men's Health Week (June 12-18), a special awareness period created by Congress, and the #ShowUsYourBlue campaign on June 16 where men and women are encouraged to wear blue to work that day to show their support for the health and wellbeing of boys and men.

Men die five years younger than women, on average, and die at higher rates for nine of the Top Ten causes of death. Men are the majority of workplace injuries, less likely to be insured, and far less likely to see a doctor for preventive care. All of this impacts their ability to be an involved father, supportive husband, and engaged member of their community.

Here are a couple of ways to help spread awareness about men's health month, plus some health tips for men:

1. Spread the word! Make sure every loved male in your life is living well. Share these tips with him, and remind him of all the reasons he has to stay or become healthy, like his family, his friends, his hobbies/passions, and just for his own benefit of living a long, healthy, happy life. (Health and happiness can go hand in hand!)
2. Get early screenings. They will not only save money in the long run, but also save your life and/or make life easier to manage if diseases are caught early on. Don't know where to start? Here's a comprehensive checklist for men of all ages.
3. Exercise! It doesn't take a lot — just 30 minutes a day or a couple of hours a week helps tremendously to keep your heart, mind, muscles and bones fit and to prevent serious, debilitating diseases, as well as mental illnesses. Don't quit! If you miss a day of exercising, get back to it when you can. Just keep trying. Your body (and your family) will thank you.