Man Up For Health
Happy Men’s Health Awareness Month!
In March, we talked about women’s health and the menstrual cycle in honor of Women’s History Month. June is Men’s Health Awareness Month so we’re going to talk about the state of men’s health in the US and why you or the men in your life need to be moving their bodies.
If this newsletter resonates with you, feel free to share it with the men in your life - & then invite them to your next workout!
Men’s Health Statistics
When you think of the gym, you probably think of a male dominated space. Surveys have shown that about 70% of gym owners in the US are men and while memberships are split pretty evenly across genders, I personally have yet to witness a weight room that’s not dominated by men. However, the appearance of more men in the gym or the fitness industry isn’t translating to health outcomes.
On average, men die 5 years earlier than women
Men are at higher risk than women for heart disease, lung cancer, and HIV
Men are more likely than women to die from alcoholism, overdose and suicide
Men face unique health challenges like prostate cancer
And research shows that men are less likely than women to seek preventive healthcare (such as prostate cancer screening), to have a primary care provider, or to seek mental health services.
So. Now that we’ve gotten the tough stats out of the way… how can we transform not only the numbers but the cultural climate that leads to these health disparities? Whether you identify as a man, woman, non-binary, or anything else, here are a few steps you can take to improve your health and/or the health of the men in your life.
Improving Men’s Health
Educate Yourself
Spend some time learning about the unique health challenges you or the men in your life face. You can find a variety of resources online at the CDC Website, Men’s Health Magazine, the Journal of Men’s Health, Harvard Men’s Health Watch, and more. These resources have information about how to prevent illness, how to get screened for potential illness, and how to take care of yourself across the lifespan.
Lead By Example
Take your health into your own hands and show the men in your life how to do the same! Make an effort to implement small healthy habits such as moving your body, prioritizing nutritious meals, getting outdoors & spending time with loved ones. We often underestimate the influence we have on those around us and one of the BEST ways you can help the men in your life get healthy is to do it with them.
Phone A Friend
If you are concerned about harming yourself or others, I recommend referring to my May newsletter for a list of resources for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. If you are not in crisis but unsure if you need physical or mental health support, you can phone a friend. Reach out to any person in your life who you trust and have a chat about your wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to lean on those around you for guidance and recommendations on getting the support you need - whether it be therapist recommendations or just a hiking buddy.
Join a Movement
As scientific research advances and we have more available data on men’s health, we’ve seen a surge of activism around improving wellbeing - you’re probably familiar with Movember - the month many of the men in your life grow their mustaches out to raise awareness for prostate cancer, male suicide, and other causes. If you feel passionate about this topic, I encourage you to go beyond your own health habits and connect with others working for a cause. Movements like Movember are truly just the collection of individuals like you who care about building a healthier, happier world.
Additional June Tips
Monthly upper body workout for you to try if you’re in a time crunch or getting acclimated to the gym (exercise demos linked below):
(3-5 rounds, 30 seconds each exercise, 30 seconds rest after each round)
For more workouts & coaching guidance you can always check out my programs!
