Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on the unique health challenges faced by men and to encourage them to prioritize their physical and mental health. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of health conditions that disproportionately affect men, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and heart disease. It’s also a time to encourage healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.

During Men’s Health Month, it’s important to acknowledge that men’s health issues are often stigmatized or overlooked. Many men are reluctant to seek help for mental health conditions or are unaware of the signs and symptoms of certain illnesses. By raising awareness and promoting education about men’s health, we can help to break down these barriers and encourage men to take charge of their health.

This month is filled with events and activities that remind us of the importance of men’s health. It’s a tradition to recognize men’s health issues with special activities, such as health fairs, health screenings, and other events. Men’s Health Month is also an opportunity to pay tribute to those men who have overcome health challenges and to those who have lost their lives to illness. We remember the families who have been affected by the loss of a loved one due to a preventable health condition.

In addition to physical health, it’s important to prioritize mental health. Men are at a higher risk for conditions such as depression and suicide, and it’s important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues.

So take a moment this month to encourage the men in your life to prioritize their health. Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication to their families and communities. Together, we can promote men’s health and well-being by encouraging regular check-ups with healthcare providers, open and honest communication about any health concerns, and raising awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of health conditions. By working together, we can create a healthier and happier future for all.

Remind the men in your workplace to take care of themselves!

As an employer, it’s important to remind all of your employees, including the men in your workforce, about resources you’ve made available to help employees take charge of their health. Here are a couple examples of programs we encourage you to promote (if you have them already) or contact us for help to get started:

1. Launch an Employees Assistance Fund (or if you already have one, remind employees about this incredible employee benefit). An Employee Assistance Fund (EAF), also known as an Employee Relief Fund or an Employee Crisis Fund, is a program which can be used to provide financial support to employees impacted by disasters, personal emergencies, and other hardships. You can learn more about the benefits of working with America’s Charities as your EAF partner here.

2. Volunteer! 75% of U.S. adults feel physically healthier by volunteering. The mental and emotional benefits of volunteering are even greater, with 93%  reporting an improved mood, 79% reporting lower stress levels, and 88% reporting increased self-esteem by giving back. (Source: UnitedHealth Group 2017 Doing Good is Good for You Study). As an employer, you can support your employees’ passions through volunteerism. It’s an effective way to further demonstrate your company’s commitment to your workforce while also creating social impact is by offering opportunities for your staff to support the causes they care about. You can learn about what these programs entail and how to start one here.