Each year, Men’s Health Week is observed leading up to Father’s Day in mid-June. In fact, many organizations recognize June as Men’s Health Month. The point of these observances is to support men, who too often try to “go it alone” when it comes to managing their health. As we share with people at our mental health clinic, Men’s Health Week is intended to draw awareness to health problems that affect men and boys, and to encourage early detection and prompt treatment of these conditions.
Checkups are Critical
Many serious medical conditions have few if any symptoms. Consequently, it is important to have regular physical exams and the medical tests that can help identify these illnesses. Reminders and encouragement from family and friends can be very effective to prompt a man, who may have the attitude, “I’ll see the doctor if I get sick,” to make an appointment.
To maximize the effectiveness of these visits, it is important that men keep track of their own medical history as well as their family history. This information can help their physician more quickly zero in on illnesses and prescribe effective treatment.
Mental Health is Key to Overall Health
In encouraging the men in your life to take good care of themselves, it is important to remember that mental health is just as important as his physical health. Men have a well-deserved reputation for keeping their emotions bottled up inside, and that behavior can cause or exacerbate both mental illness and physical conditions like high blood pressure.
If a man or boy you care about acknowledges they are struggling or you are able to detect the signs of a problem, it’s crucial that you urge them to seek help. Mental and emotional health challenges can be successfully treated, and there is no shame in seeking help. For most, it takes more strength to confront mental illness than to pretend it doesn’t exist.
The Many Ways to Improve Wellness
In our busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in “to do” items and fail to take proper care of ourselves. Men, in particular, are known for putting off actions and activities designed to increase health and wellness. So, during Men’s Health Week, and all year long, it’s important to providing loving reminders to men and boys to:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get plenty of exercise
- Eliminate unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive drinking
- Enjoy some leisure time every day
- Maintain strong ties with family and friends, and get together often
- Learn about and be aware of the signs of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes
- Express their emotions
- Read good books or magazines about health
At Community Reach Center, we’re proud to play a role in helping to keep men and boys happy and healthy. And if you have concerns about your mental health or a loved one, we are happy to talk with you and help with any counseling services at communityreachcenter.org or by phone at 303-853-3500. We have centers in the northside Denver metro area including the cities of Thornton, Westminster, Northglenn, Commerce City and Brighton.