According to the CDC, Heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19 are the leading causes of death in men. 

And due to many societal factors, men often pay less attention to their overall health compared to other genders. 

‍According to Harvard Health, men are more likely to not take part in regular checkups. They’re also more likely to smoke tobacco and drink alcohol - increasing the risk for heart disease.

‍But most of the health problems men face are preventable. 

During National Men’s Health Month we look to spread awareness around men's health and encourage men to take care of themselves by getting regular checkups and take care of themselves through exercise, diet, and disease prevention.

So, how can men take control of their health?

‍What can they do? 

‍What actions should they take?

And what are some of the most common health problems men face?

In today’s article, we’ll be answering all these questions. Keep reading to learn more!

Common health problems men face

What are some of the common health problems men face?

How can they prevent these health problems from happening?

Among all cancers, prostate cancer is the most common among men. It’s said to be the second leading cause of death from cancer for men in the United States. 

Although there are steps you can take to prevent it, some aspects that affect health are out of our control. Age, race, and genetics can all increase the chances of getting prostate cancer. 

But making changes in your lifestyle and diet could help prevent it. Some changes you can make to help prevent prostate cancer include: 

• Eating a healthier diet
• Increasing Vitamin D intake
• Quitting smoking and drinking less
• Staying sexually active (with or without a partner)
• Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight

Although prostate cancer is common, the leading cause of death in men in the United States is actually heart disease. In 2019 it caused 1 in 4 male deaths in the United States.

‍But there are steps men can take to reduce their risk of heart disease:‍

• Lower stress levels
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
• Maintain a healthy weight and eat a healthy diet
• Get regular checkups and ask about checking for diabetes and high cholesterol

Men face a lot of physical health problems, but one of the most stigmatized issues men face is mental health. And although the conversation has changed drastically, men, like many others, are still suffering from mental health issues. 

‍Approximately 30.6 percent of men suffer from a period of depression in their life, and the suicide rate in American men is four times higher than it is in women.

But there are steps we can all take to care for our mental health. Self-care is one way we can maintain good mental health. We can practice self-care by:

• Practicing gratitude
• Focusing on positivity
• Getting regular exercise
• Setting goals and prioritizing
• Staying connected with people
• Taking part in a relaxing activity
• Getting an adequate amount of sleep 
• Staying hydrated and eating regular healthy meals

But sometimes self-care isn’t enough. Recognizing the signs that you or a loved one is dealing with mental health issues can help someone take the first steps in treatment.

‍Some signs of depression might include:‍

• Irritability
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities 
• Thoughts of death or suicide or even suicide attempts 

There are treatments for mental illness, and if you think you or a loved one are suffering make sure to reach out to a health care provider to get the help needed.

‍If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text “HELLO” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.‍

How to participate

We can all participate in National Men's Health Month in one way or another. 

It’s a great time for men to take a look at their health and start changing their habits and routines to create a healthier lifestyle.

‍Men can take charge of their health by:‍

• Exercising regularly - exercising can help people maintain a healthy weight, fight health conditions and diseases like cancer and depression, promote sleep, and even boost energy. 
• Eating a more balanced and healthy diet - eating a more rounded diet may help to maintain a healthy weight, get the nutrients for optimal health, and even improve your heart health.
• Taking care of their mental health - activities like meditating, yoga, or time spent with hobbies and loved ones are all great ways men can practice self-care and relieve any stress, anxiety, and worry they may be feeling.
• Participating in some activities - spend some time hiking, playing soccer, dancing, or painting with some friends, loved ones, or even co-workers. 

We can also encourage the men in our lives to speak about their mental health issues. Creating a safe place for men to express their concerns is a great way for us all to participate in Men’s Health Month. 

Spreading the word about Men’s Health Month is also a great way to participate. It helps educate people on common issues men face, and it opens the door for more conversations to take place in our communities.

You could even participate in a fundraiser or create your own for men's mental health or even prostate cancer. 

Another way we can participate is by dawning the color of blue during Wear Blue Day. Wear Blue Day is a day people wear the color blue to spread awareness around men’s health month, it takes place each year, on the Friday before Father’s Day.

Closing thoughts - National Men’s Health Month

Men’s Health Month is a time to make changes, spread awareness, and open the conversation about topics that are sometimes stigmatized in today's society.  

We can all do our part during this month either directly by helping the people in our lives or ourselves, or even by participating in fundraisers and events that highlight the common health issues men face every day.

Make sure to share this with a friend or family member who could benefit from some of the information we provided so you can do your part to spread awareness around this important month for men's health!

From olive oil to seafood, the Mediterranean diet is one that appeals to people for many reasons. Not only is the food appreciated, but some studies suggest the diet can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

The U.S news and world report ranked it as the number one diet to prevent and control diabetes, and it’s recognized as one of the best heart-healthy diets.

Like most new diets we hear of, many of us are skeptical, yet interested at the same time. Could this diet help to better our overall well-being?

You might have questions about the Mediterranean diet, especially if you’re just learning about it.

‍What exactly is it?

‍Are there risks? Benefits?

‍And why do people go on it in the first place? 

‍Is it worth trying out?

In today’s article, we’ll be diving deep into this topic, and answering all these questions and more. Keep reading to find out if the Mediterranean diet is right for you!

What is the Mediterranean diet? What can you eat?

The diet consists primarily of foods consumed by people in countries around the Mediterranean sea. This includes countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, Southern France, and more. 

‍So, what foods does it include?

The foundation of the diet includes mainly plant-based foods like:

• Nuts
• Fruits
• Herbs
• Seeds
• Spices
• Legumes
• Vegetables 
• Whole grains

Olive oil is prevalent in the diet as well, and it’s one of the primary sources of fat. 

A few other foods consumed in moderation include:

• Fish and other seafood
• Dairy
• Poultry
• Eggs

Occasionally sweets and red meats are also ingested, but very rarely. Most of the animal protein comes from fish and other seafood. And the red meats that are eaten are non-processed.

So what foods aren’t allowed when on the Mediterranean diet?

As mentioned earlier, people on the Mediterranean diet don’t eat processed meats. Sausage, bacon, lunch meats, and hot dogs are all foods on the ‘no’ list. 

Refined, processed, and hydrogenated oils are also avoided, this includes: 

• Canola oil
• Vegetable oil 
• Soybean oil and more

Plus refined grains like white bread and pasta as well as heavily processed foods like candy, sugary desserts, and even frozen meals with lots of sodium should be avoided.

There’s a limit on alcohol as well, red wine is the only alcoholic beverage consumed on the diet.

As we can see, the diet consists primarily of plant-based foods. There are some meats consumed, but they’re not consumed very often, and when they are, they’re from non-processed sources. 

What are the risks and benefits?

During the 1950s, interest in the diet developed. Heart disease seemed to be much less common in countries around the Mediterranean compared to the United States.

And many studies that came after the observations confirmed that the diet helps prevent stroke and heart disease.

‍But why? 

What’s the difference between the common North American diet and the Mediterranean diet?

Well, to begin with, the Mediterranean diet has a large focus on olive oil for fats. It provides a large quantity of healthy monounsaturated fats, and it’s shown that these fats can help to lower disease risk.

‍Monounsaturated fat also lowers bad cholesterol levels in the blood, which may result in a lower risk of stroke and heart disease. 

And some of the foods consumed with the diet may also help fight inflammation. Fish contains a high quantity of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-3 helps fight inflammation and can also lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, and it may reduce blood clotting.

But, what’s the difference between the Mediterranean diet and the typical American diet? 

‍Why are Americans dealing with more heart conditions compared to our Mediterranean counterparts? 

A big reason could be cultural differences in diet. The typical North American diet contains more trans and saturated fats comparatively, and both fats are linked to causing heart disease. The obesity rate in America is also one of the highest in the world, and there are certain conditions, such as heart disease and stroke, linked to obesity.

In saying all that, there are so many factors that could affect our heart health. It’s hard to pinpoint a direct cause as to why Americans are dealing with more heart conditions when compared to people from the Mediterranean.

Besides, there aren’t just benefits to the Mediterranean diet. There is some potential risk involved as well.

The diet doesn’t emphasize portion sizes or the specific amount of foods eaten. This could lead to overeating certain foods, leading to a higher calorie intake, and eventually weight gain.

‍It’s also a more time-consuming diet as much of the food requires preparation and cooking, plus it may be expensive compared to other ways of eating.

Why do people go on it? Should you try it?

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. While there could be many different factors affecting this, like genetics and physical activity, our diets can play a huge role.

Doctors sometimes recommend this diet to people who are dealing with chronic conditions such as heart disease. With its large focus on healthy fats, it could prove to be beneficial for many people.

‍So, is it worth it? 

‍Should you go on the Mediterranean diet?

Like all diets, it depends on your circumstances, health factors, and motivators.

The diet might be suitable for you if you’re trying to get away from consuming bad fats, and sticking to a diet that’s more plant-based. 

Closing Thoughts - Mediterranean diet explained

In today’s article we covered:

• What the Mediterranean diet is
• What you can and can’t eat while on it 
• The risks and benefits of it
• Why someone might choose to do it

Hopefully, with everything you’ve learned today, you have a better understanding of the Mediterranean diet and whether it’s right for you.

Like any other diet, the choice is yours to make. 

Research suggests it may have many health benefits, but its cost and preparation time might make it unsuitable for you.

And it’s always best to consult with a medical professional before making big changes to your diet.

Make sure to share this with a friend or family member that’s interested in the diet so they can learn more!

Endometriosis is estimated to affect more than 10% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44.

And, worldwide it’s estimated to affect around 176 million people. 

And because it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of endometriosis from the pain and discomfort associated with a normal menstrual cycle, many women go undiagnosed for years or never receive a diagnosis. 

During Endometriosis Awareness Month discussions and events are held to educate and bring awareness to this often misunderstood condition. 

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the kind that lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. 

It can form anywhere in the body, but most commonly affects:

• The tissue lining your pelvis 
• The fallopian tubes 
• The ovaries 

During a menstrual cycle for someone living with endometriosis, the tissue that has grown outside the uterus acts the same as the tissue within. This means it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during each cycle.

Since there’s no way for the broken down tissue to exit the body, cysts can form causing pain and irritation. 

This can lead to the development of scar tissue forming and connecting between organs that aren't normally connected. These are what we call adhesions.

Adhesions due to endometriosis can cause serious complications such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and bowel obstruction. 

What causes endometriosis?

According to the National Institute of Health, researchers don’t yet know for sure what causes endometriosis.

But, there are some theories.

One theory suggests that during menstruation, some tissue gets backed up through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis. Creating a kind of reverse menstruation. This is known as retrograde menstruation.

Another theory is that the characteristics of the cells that line the organs in the pelvis, actually change. This is referred to as coelomic metaplasia.

But, neither of these theories explain why endometriosis can affect organs outside the pelvis, like the lungs. Or why there are rare cases of men developing endometriosis.

While we may not know for sure what causes it, endometriosis can wreak havoc on our bodies.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of the symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Pain - One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is pain. Pain during or after sex, more pain than usual during menstruation, chronic lower back/pelvis pain, intestinal pain, pain while urinating during menstruation, and painful bowel movements are all possible symptoms of endometriosis. 
• Digestive problems - Especially during menstruation - diarrhea, nausea, constipation, or bloating could all be signs of endometriosis.
• Spotting or bleeding - Bleeding between menstrual periods is a common symptom of endometriosis.
• Infertility - Endometriosis often leads to fertility issues like difficulty conceiving. 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to discuss them with your medical provider.

Who’s most at risk for endometriosis?

Any person who has a menstrual cycle can develop endometriosis. And, as mentioned above, there are some extremely rare cases of men developing the condition. But, it’s most common among women in their 30s and 40s.

There are several risk factors that may increase the chance of developing endometriosis. Some of these risk factors include:

• Never giving birth
• Low body mass index
• Periods at an early age
• Reproductive tract disorders
• Close relatives that have endometriosis
• Experiencing menopause at an older age 
• Menstrual periods that last more than 7 days
• Having higher levels of estrogen in your body
• Short menstrual cycles (E.g. less than 27 days)
• Medical conditions that prevent the passage of blood during menstrual periods

Lowering your risk and treatment options

According to Women's Health, you can’t prevent endometriosis. 

But, you can lower your risk of developing it. 

You can do this by lowering the levels of estrogen in your body.

Different ways you can do this include:

• Regular exercise - exercising often can help lower your body fat percentage. Both exercising and a lower body fat percentage help decrease the amount of estrogen in your body.
• Hormonal birth control methods - using certain hormonal birth control methods with lower doses of estrogen may help.
• Avoid large amounts of caffeine and alcohol - studies have shown that caffeine and alcohol can affect estrogen levels to some extent.

While living with endometriosis can be painful and present certain challenges, there are a variety of treatment options available. 

For those with mild symptoms, pain medications or hormone therapy is often enough. Hormone therapy includes treatment options like:

• Danazol
• Progestins
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist
• Oral contraceptives with combined estrogen and progestin (progesterone) 

Others find relief with alternative approaches such as acupuncture.

For some, medication and alternative therapies aren’t enough. In these instances, surgical procedures can provide more lasting relief from symptoms.

These surgical treatments include:

• Laparoscopy - this procedure is used to diagnose endometriosis. It's a minor procedure that allows the surgeon to see inside the pelvic area. It’s also often used to remove small endometrial growths.
• Laparotomy - a major abdominal surgery that’s performed to remove any displaced endometrial tissue. 
• Hysterectomy - typically performed only in advanced cases or as a last resort, this surgery is performed to remove the uterus and, in some cases, the ovaries and or fallopian tubes. 

What you can do to help

Endometriosis Awareness Month is all about spreading awareness, knowledge, and starting conversations.

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms and it’s important to talk about them. 

Talk to your family and friends about endometriosis, and create a safe space for others to do the same. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms, or feel concerned about endometriosis - talk to your medical provider.

With the right information and open dialogue, we can spread awareness and knowledge to help those in our communities and around the world.

By 2030, more than 76 million people worldwide will struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, and many more will experience some type of brain health issues. National Alzheimer's Month 2021 is an opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and to start conversations with those you love about brain health.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a disease that harms nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting a person’s ability to remember, think, and plan. As of now, there is no cure.

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is thought to be an abnormal build-up of proteins called amyloid plaques in and around brain cells that makes it difficult for neurons to "talk" to one another.  Another type of protein that leads to Alzheimer’s disease causes “tangles” in the brain cells.

Communication between neurons in the brain is important for almost every biological function our bodies need to carry out. This includes everything from talking to sleeping to remembering where we placed the remote, or what our address is.

When Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain, a person’s quality of life is directly impacted. They may start with mild memory loss. Over time, the plaques and tangles in the brain take over, making it difficult for the people we love to function as they were once able to.

What Can We Do to Minimize Alzheimer's Disease?

National Alzheimer's Month is a perfect time to learn more about what you can do to help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. 

While it’s true that Alzheimer’s primarily affects those over 60, there are lifestyle choices we can begin to make earlier in life to minimize the risk of developing it. 

National Alzheimer's Month 2021: Prevention

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the following actions can help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. :

1. Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to clear toxins from the brain and oxygenate it, keeping your neurons healthy. The Mayo Clinic advises that physically active people are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
2. Reduce stress. Stress causes hormonal and vascular changes in the brain that can harm it. Eliminating stress can help to protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease. Try a yoga class, meditation, deep breathing exercises, walking in a park, or talking with close friends to relieve stress. 
3. Eat healthy foods that reduce excessive inflammation. Excess inflammation harms the brain. Numerous studies have shown that Alzheimer’s is impacted by lifestyle choices that cause inflammation. Foods that reduce inflammation include the spice turmeric, leafy greens, nuts, healthy oils like olive oil, tomatoes, fruits like blueberries and goji berries, and Omega 3-rich fish like salmon. 
4. Get restful sleep. Sleep is essential for the brain to rid itself of toxins and to repair neurons. Talk to your doctor to find out how much sleep is ideal to allow your natural rest and repair process to happen.
5. Keep your brain active. The old axiom, use it or lose it, stands true for the brain. Do crossword puzzles, listen to music, learn to play an instrument, play cards, or read a book to keep your brain active and engaged. 

National Alzheimer's Month reminds us to focus on brain health and to put practices in place that can reduce our risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

What is World Heart Day

World Heart Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) and provide education and resources for those living with CVD.

The goal — reduce mortality and improve quality of life.

Observed every year on September 29th, World Heart Day is the largest, global awareness campaign for heart health.

CVD accounts for almost half of all deaths due to non-communicable disease world wide. It’s the world’s number one killer and a burden shared by all.

The World Heart Federation and their global partners lead the initiative each year. But it’s individuals who keep the conversation going. By learning more and sharing what we learn, each of us can lend our voice to the conversation and do our part in saving lives all over the world.

What is CVD

The Cleveland Clinic defines cardiovascular disease as

“a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels of the body.”

This includes conditions like:

Arrhythmia

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

Heart Failure

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Aortic disease

Congenital heart disease

Pericardial disease

Cerebrovascular disease:

Deep vein thrombosis

It also includes heart attack and stroke. Two of the most serious complications of cardiovascular disease.

‍

According to the World Heart Federation,

“HEART DISEASE AND STROKE, IS THE WORLD’S LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH CLAIMING 18.6 MILLION LIVES EACH YEAR”

This year’s mission

“Harnessing the power of digital health to improve awareness, prevention and management of CVD globally is our goal for World Heart Day 2021.”

Today more than ever before, technology is a leading factor in health outcomes. Virtual visits with medical providers, health and fitness apps, symptom trackers, medication reminders, all are available and accessible digitally.

As more organizations like the World Heart Federation embrace this resource, the divide in access to healthcare shrinks. Of course, there’s still a lot of work to do. And we all have a part to play.

What can you do

Get on social media and start sharing!

The World Heart Federation has plenty of resources that allow you to add your voice to the global conversation. You can share posts, videos, even create your own posters to share!

Raising awareness does more than spark conversation, it sparks funding and access to care for so many that are without. The more we talk openly about health-related issues, the more resources are available for everyone.

Stay on top of your health!

Keep track of your health with one of the many apps or technologies available.

Fitness apps are an incredible resource for tracking your health and activity. Paired with Achievement, you can monitor your activity data, receive opportunities to participate in medical research, and access important information and resources to help you manage your health where you are.

Resources

For sharing information

World Heart Federation Resource Center

Get Involved

For learning more

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21493-cardiovascular-disease

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm

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They say the eyes are the windows to the soul.

They’re also how many of us observe the world around us.

So keeping them healthy is super important!

4 Tips for Keeping your Eyes Healthy

1. Protect your eyes from sun damage! UV light can damage your eyes. Be sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection and wear a hat if you’re going to be out in the sun for a while.
2. Step away from the screen! Too much screen time can have lasting effects on your eyes. Take breaks and use blue light filters if you can.
3. Eat healthy! Proper nutrients and healthy fats like Omega-3 are great for your eye health. Eating a balanced diet rich in these foods is an easy way to help maintain eye health.
4. Stay up-to-date on regular eye exams! Eye exams are just as important as other health screening routines, so be sure to get your eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist every year.

Want to learn more about what you can do to keep your eyes healthy? Click here for tips for the National Eye Institute.

‍

3 Reasons Regular Eye Exams are Important

1. Early diagnosis! Eye Exams can detect some major eye health issues like glaucoma or cataracts before you have symptoms. And early diagnosis can make a huge difference in treatment options.
2. Better performance at work or school! Even minor vision issues can significantly impact how well you do at work or school. And for children, the effects are drastic. Vision problems can have long-term effects on education if not caught early.
3. Detect other health issues! Eye exams can help detect and monitor other health issues like diabetes and thyroid disease — just another reason eye exams are crucial to maintaining good health.

Eye Exam Statistics

According to a 2018 study conducted by VSP Vision Care and YouGov, more and more people are skipping their annual eye exams despite knowing the importance of them!

By the numbers: The importance of eye exams

8 in 10 people (84 percent) rate vision as the most important sense, and nearly everyone (97 percent) agrees that having healthy eyes is important, but only half of people get annual eye exams.

Virtually no one (1 percent) knows that signs of serious diseases and conditions like high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, thyroid diseases, and certain types of cancers can be detected through an eye exam.

6 in 10 (61 percent) people worry about diabetes impacting their family’s health, but only 4 percent know that eye doctors can detect signs of diabetes through an eye exam.

More than two-thirds of parents worry about their children’s eye health more than their own, but only 12 percent of parents know children should receive their first eye exam at six months old.

After learning about the importance of annual eye exams, 9 in 10 (90 percent) survey respondents agree on the importance of annual eye exams.

How do Evidation Members Compare?

We asked our Evidation Members if they’d had an eye exam this year. What did they say?

Well, out of the 17,496 people who responded, Over 10,000 said yes — that’s over 57%!

So, while the majority of respondents have, it’s a small majority. Which means it’s important for us to share posts like this to help remind everyone — if you haven’t had your exam this year, schedule one now.

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Yellow Ribbons conjure many feelings.

They’re used to promote awareness of suicide prevention, missing children, numerous medical conditions (including several types of cancer). They remind us to support our troops and remember those missing or killed in action.

They’re also used to represent sarcoma awareness.

And, in honor of Sarcoma Awareness Month, we share this yellow ribbon today.

What is Sarcoma?

According to The National Foundation for Cancer Research,

“Sarcoma is a rare but deadly form of cancer affecting connective tissues such as fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerve, bone, deep skin and cartilage.”

There are two main types of sarcomas — soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas, but there are many subgroups. In fact, The Mayo Clinic lists over 70.

‍

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Often called, “the forgotten cancer,” sarcoma is most commonly diagnosed in children.

But while considered a “rare” cancer, making up only 1% of all cancers, survival rates for those with sarcoma are low. And diagnosis and treatment are difficult.

That makes awareness critical!

Around 12,000–15,000 people are diagnosed with sarcoma each year in the US. For those battling sarcoma and their loved-ones, the “rarity” of this disease is no comfort.

To help do our part in raising awareness, we’ve compiled a list of resources and sources of additional information for those who’d like to learn more.

Resources

American Childhood Cancer Organization

Sarcoma Alliance

Sarcoma Foundation of America

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC)

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Cancer Care

Johns Hopkins Sarcoma Center

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Men’s Health Matters — During International Men’s Health Week and Beyond

International Men’s Health Week is celebrated every year the week before Father’s Day. The focus of the event is on men’s health, wellness, and prevention — which is critical to lowering risk factors for disease.

Statistically, men tend to avoid routine medical care and avoid seeking medical care until much later than other genders.

A 2019 survey from the Cleveland Clinic’s MENtion it campaign highlights some of these statistics.‍

Why?

According to the Cleveland Clinic Survey, stereotypes and social conditioning surrounding gender play a large part.

“Why do men avoid the doctor? Stereotypes taught at a young age may be to blame. Two-fifths (41%) of men were told as children that men don’t complain about health issues.”

International Men’s Health week is an opportunity to focus on the specific health concerns men face, and a way to say, “Hey, guys, your health is important!”

It’s a great time to schedule events, have informed conversations, and raise awareness around men’s health and wellness.

But, the importance of men’s health doesn’t stop at the end of the week. It’s critical that we continue to focus on men’s health throughout the year and remind the men in our lives that they matter and that their health matters!

Regardless of gender, we can all play a part in helping men to feel confident seeking health care!

Luckily, today more than ever, there are many resources focused on the issue of men’s health! We’ve included a short list of resources below. And we encourage all men, everywhere, to remember that their health matters!

Resources

• MENtion it
• Men’s Health Month
• Talking About Men’s Health
• Men’sHealth
• The Good Men Project
• Men’s Health Resource Center

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