Men's Health Week 2024
Men's Health Week is dedicated to raising awareness about the health issues men face and encouraging them towards a healthier life.
Men's Health Week is not just a campaign, but a call to action for men to take better care of their health and for communities to support men in this endeavour.
Men’s Health Week is observed in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, India, and other countries around the world. It provides a platform to educate men and their families about the importance of early detection of health conditions, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices.
The week takes place annually in mid-June, during the week preceding Father’s Day (which is the third Sunday of June). This year the week runs from June 10th-16th, 2024, and coincides with the launch of our How to be a Better Boyfriend or Husband: Building Relationships Course.
Men’s Health Week Facts
Men’s Health Week was established in 1994 by the Men’s Health Network (MHN), a non-profit organization in the United States. The goal was to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.
Key Milestones
- 1994: Establishment of Men’s Health Week by the Men’s Health Network in the US.
- 2002: Men’s Health Week gains international recognition in the UK, with countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and New Zealand joining the movement.
- 2013: The Men’s Health Forum in the UK launches a larger campaign for Men’s Health Week with a focus on various themes each year, ranging from mental health to diabetes prevention, and further solidifying Men’s Health Week as an important awareness week.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day
While not recognized as an official holiday by as many countries at Men’s Health Week, there is a growing recognition of the importance of raising awareness about men’s mental health and encouraging guys to seek support.
June 13th, 2024 will be recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Common Themes and Issues
Men face unique health challenges that require attention and proactive management. Here are some of the most common health issues affecting men today:
1. Heart Disease
According to the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) heart disease is the leading cause of death among men.[1] High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are significant risk factors for developing heart disease.
2. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with about one in eight men diagnosed during their lifetime.[2] Prostate cancer is the second-leading cancer-related cause of death in the US, behind only lung cancer. About 1 in 44 men will die of prostate cancer.
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
3. Mental Health
Mental health is often overlooked in men due to societal pressures and stigma. Depression, anxiety, and stress can have severe impacts on overall health. About 1 in 5 experience a mental health problem each year.[3]
For more detailed information on men’s mental health, visit our Men’s Mental Health page.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes affects about 15% of men, who are slightly more prone to its development than women.[4]
5. Obesity
Obesity can lead to a multitude of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues.
The worldwide obesity rate has nearly doubled since 1980. The World Obesity Federation predicts that by 2030, one in five women and one in seven men will have severe obesity.[5]
6. Respiratory Diseases
Men are more likely than women to smoke, and are thus more likely to develop respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which most commonly presents as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.[6] COPD affects about 16 million Americans.[7]
7. Liver Disease
Liver disease, often caused by excessive alcohol consumption or viral infections, can be life-threatening.
Men account for nearly 70 percent of deaths by Alcohol Related liver disease (ALD).[8]
8. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a sign of underlying health issues such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Approximately 30 million men in the United States are affected by ED.[9]
9. Testicular Cancer
Approximately 1 in 250 men will develop testicular cancer at some point in their lifetime.[10]
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when detected early. Men are encouraged to perform regular testicular self-exams and report any abnormalities to their healthcare provider promptly.
Taking Charge of Men’s Health
Men’s Health Week provides an opportunity for men to focus on their health and take proactive steps towards a healthier future. Here are some practical tips to help men get started:
- Schedule annual check-ups with a doctor
- Practice our tips to maintain and improve essential healthy lifestyle habits.
- Increase your mental health awareness and learn about the issues that affect men the most
- Avoid harmful habits (try to limit smoking and alcohol consumption)
How Can You Participate in Men’s Health Week?
There are lots of ways to get involved, whether helping yourself or the men in your life:
- Organize Events: Host community events like walks, jogs, or fitness challenges.
- Social Media Shares: Share our information and resources on social media using hashtags like #MensHealthWeek.
- Health Check-ups: Encourage men to schedule regular check-ups and screenings.
- Fundraising: Organize or participate in fundraising events to support our work.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage friends and family to adopt healthy lifestyles.
- Share HeadsUpGuys: Share our site with others to help them learn about men’s mental health issues.
By engaging in these activities, individuals and communities can raise awareness, promote healthy behaviors, and support the well-being of men during Men’s Health Week and beyond.
Men’s Health Week is more than just a week of awareness—it’s a catalyst for change. By understanding the common health issues men face and taking proactive steps to address them, we can improve not only our own lives but also the lives of our families and communities. Take charge of your health today, and encourage the men in your life to do the same. Together, we can build a healthier, happier future.
At HeadsUpGuys, we recognize Men’s Health Week as an opportunity to celebrate everyone who identifies as a man. We aim to support the broader collective of men, acknowledging physical health issues specific to men and the shared social experiences that can positively or negatively affect all men’s well-being.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Men and Heart Disease”.
- American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer.”
- Mental Health America. “Infographic: Mental Health for Men”
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “National Diabetes Statistics Report”
- Forbes. “Obesity Statistics And Facts In 2024”
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. ”Are there gender differences in tobacco smoking?”
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “COPD”
- University of Michigan Health “Alcohol Related Liver Disease”
- Harvard Health Publishing (HHP). “Erectile Dysfunction – ED”
- American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics for Testicular Cancer”