June is Men’s Health Month - a reminder that healthy habits, preventive care, and routine screenings matter at every stage of life, from childhood through older adulthood.
Health needs change over time, but one thing remains constant: prioritizing personal health also helps support the people who depend on us.
Healthy habits often begin early. For boys and young men, regular wellness visits, physical activity, healthy eating, quality sleep, and learning the importance of preventive care help build the foundation for lifelong health.
As men grow older, responsibilities tend to grow as well. Careers, parenting, caregiving, and busy schedules can make personal health feel less urgent. Many men postpone annual checkups or delay addressing symptoms while focusing on work and family first.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that men are less likely than women to seek preventive healthcare services and are more likely to delay medical care. CDC data also shows that men continue to have a shorter average life expectancy than women - 75.8 years for men compared to 81.1 years for women. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men in the United States, followed by cancer and unintentional injuries.
Many of the most common health conditions affecting men - including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early diabetes - can develop with few noticeable symptoms at first. According to the CDC, more than 50% of adult men have high blood pressure. Routine medical visits and recommended screenings can help identify these conditions early, often before symptoms appear.
For many men, it is easier to schedule maintenance on a vehicle, tractor, or equipment than it is to schedule a preventive healthcare visit for themselves. However, prioritizing personal health is one of the most important ways men can remain present for the people who rely on them.
Preventive care changes throughout life. Younger men may benefit from establishing care with a primary provider and monitoring blood pressure and overall wellness, while older men may need more routine screenings for conditions such as colorectal cancer, prostate concerns, diabetes, and heart disease.
Mental and emotional health are also important parts of overall wellness. Stress and burnout can affect men of all ages, and maintaining strong support systems remains an important part of staying healthy overall.
Men’s health is not only an individual issue - it affects entire families and communities. Children often learn health habits from the adults around them, and fathers, grandfathers, coaches, teachers, and mentors all help shape how younger generations view wellness and healthcare.
This Men’s Health Month, consider encouraging the boys and men in our communities to take the next step for their health - whether that means scheduling an annual check-up, catching up on an overdue screening, or making an appointment to discuss symptoms that may have been ignored for too long.
With five clinic locations offering convenient access to care, support is available close to home for boys and men at every stage of life. Appointments are available in Onamia, Isle, Hillman, Garrison, and Milaca. To schedule an appointment, call 320-532-3154.