What is Men’s Health Month really about? It’s an opportunity for everyone, especially loved ones in men’s lives, to encourage better health habits.
While June serves as Men’s Health Month, the work extends beyond a single month. Whether you’re a partner, sister, daughter, or friend, you have significant influence in helping the men you care about live longer, healthier lives.
This post is here to acknowledge the 5 leading issues men face with their health, and the potential impact women can have on them.
Why Men Avoid Preventive Care
Despite being aware of the potential risks, many men continuously avoid preventive healthcare. This reluctance to seek care contributes to concerning men’s health month facts and could be due to several factors, such as:
- Many men have a “tough it out” mentality that stems from childhood teachings that focus on boys suppressing their pain and illness rather than being expressive and addressing it.
- Men also tend to avoid doctors due to the paralyzing anxiety surrounding potential health issues.
- Many men are often time-strapped, so they tend to skip checkups and prioritize work and family over their health.
- Some men tend to have a sense of invincibility that makes them believe preventive care is not necessary. This is more common amongst the younger men.
There are, of course, serious consequences for this avoidance. Conditions that could have been manageable or curable if caught early often progress to more serious stages, leading to both physical and financial strain.
Top 5 Men’s Health Issues to Watch During Men’s Health Month
1. Heart Disease in Men
Men generally tend to develop heart disease earlier than women, because women secrete hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that protect them until they pass through menopause.
What to look out for:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles
Prevention:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Learn to manage your stress
- Engage in regular exercise
- Manage your blood pressure
2. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common kind of cancer among men. It tends to develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
What to look out for:
- Urinary difficulties
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain during or after ejaculation
Prevention:
- Endeavour to get regular check-ups and do not self-diagnose; early detection could be the key to saving your life
- Always go to a certified health care facility and avoid relying on PSA testing alone
- In addition, adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced meals rich in fruits, veggies, and protein
- Endeavor to engage yourself in regular physical activity, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
3. Men’s Mental Health
Men should be able to feel as strongly as others do, but due to societal conditioning, they are more prone to suppressing how they think, and as a result, depression, substance abuse, etc.
What to look out for:
- Irritability
- Anger outbursts
- Overemphasis on work or other activities
- Withdrawal from social functions
- Increased risk-taking behaviour
Prevention:
- Encourage open conversations about mental health
- Support men in seeking professional help and promote healthy coping mechanisms
- Remind them that they are valued and loved
- Suggest calming techniques like EFT tapping. EFT can be done ALONE, so you don’t have to feel vulnerable
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the growing health concerns for men, especially type 2 diabetes. It is more likely for you if you carry excess abdominal fat. Its impact goes beyond blood sugar; it affects energy levels, heart health, kidneys, eyesight, and even mood.
What to look out for:
- Constant fatigue
- Increased thirst or frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Sudden weight changes
- Slow-healing wounds
Prevention:
- Encourage balanced meals
- Attempting to move your body daily, even a 20-minute walk, can make a big difference.
- Know your family history; if diabetes runs in the family, stay proactive.
5. Lung Health
According to the CDC, men have a greater risk of developing lung diseases due to factors like workplace exposure, smoking, delay in seeking medical care, age, childhood respiratory problems, and air pollution.
What to look out for:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough, wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain,
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent chest infections
Prevention:
- Avoid smoking, second-hand smoking, and air pollutants
- Maintain a healthy BMI and adopt healthy lifestyle habits
- Don’t skip your regular check-up appointments
How Women Can Help During Men’s Health Month
Women often serve as the health gatekeepers in families and relationships, and this influence can be leveraged to improve men’s health outcomes.
Women bridge the health gap, not by taking over men’s health responsibilities, but by serving as influential allies in promoting better health outcomes.
As someone who cares, you can influence their health in many ways, some of them are:
- Notice That He Doesn’t
Women often possess a heightened awareness of health changes that men might overlook or dismiss. Their attentiveness can be lifesaving in cases of serious mental health challenges. - Promote Healthier Habits at Home
Subtle but steady, our everyday choices at home can shape the health of the men we care about, especially during times like June Men’s Health Month, when awareness reminds us how much small habits matter.
By preparing balanced meals and suggesting a walk after dinner, you are able to guide them toward better routines naturally. It’s not about control, but about care, creating a home where healthy choices feel easy, and love shows up in every little thing we do. - Encourage Regular Check-ups
A lot of men avoid going to the doctor, sometimes out of fear or just not thinking it’s necessary. But when we talk openly about our checkups, it makes it feel less intimidating.
Sometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge or a simple “Have you booked your appointment?” We’re not trying to push, we just care. This care can be the reason they finally put their health first.
Quick Action List for Women
Here are a few simple, everyday ways women can support the men they care about, starting right at home.
1. Book that check-up
When scheduling, consider his preferences. Would he feel more comfortable with a male doctor? Is early morning better than afternoon? These small considerations increase the likelihood he’ll attend.
Afterward, mark the appointment on shared calendars and set multiple reminders. Men typically respond better to practical reminders framed around logistics (“Your appointment is at 2 PM, right after lunch meeting”) rather than health concerns.
2. Cook one healthy meal this week
Start small with just one deliberately healthy meal per week, then gradually increase. Men often resist foods they perceive as “diet” options.
Present these meals without health lectures. “I thought we’d try something new tonight” works better than “This will lower your cholesterol.” Let the delicious flavors speak for themselves.
3. Be patient, not pushy.
Allow him space to process health information at his own pace. Men typically need more time than women to consider health changes before taking action.
Sustainable changes happen gradually, and setbacks are normal parts of the process.
Maintain optimism about his capacity for change while respecting his autonomy.
4. Use a reward system
Positive reinforcement proves remarkably effective for establishing healthy habits. Creating meaningful rewards for health behaviors leverages basic psychology to support positive change.
Initially, collaborate on selecting appropriate rewards that genuinely motivate him.
5. Encourage movement (walk, stretch, workout)
Physical activity significantly improves nearly every aspect of men’s health, yet many men struggle to maintain consistent exercise habits.
Your encouragement can help establish sustainable routines.
Remember that praise for effort rather than results keeps motivation higher. “I’m impressed you made time for that walk during your busy day.” Works better than comments about physical appearance or performance.
Conclusion
Though it’s officially recognized in June, the message behind Men’s Health Month deserves year-round attention.
Consistently using these strategies can lead to lasting health improvements for men, helping husbands, fathers, brothers, friends, and sons live not just longer lives, but fuller, healthier ones.
The goal isn’t only to live longer, but to enjoy more life every year.
This isn’t just a men’s issue, it’s a call to action for everyone who cares about them. Events like International Men’s Health Week help reinforce this message around the world.
Start today, send a quick message, share this post, or simply ask how he’s feeling. Your voice matters.