News
Men Fight Battles We Can't Always See (posted June 11, 2025)
By Adam Behnke, Communications Specialist for Brown County Public Health
The modern picture of masculinity can be problematic. Many men and boys grow up learning from role models and society that they need to deal with problems on their own without asking for help. They learn that society expects them to “man up” and “tough it out”, no matter what they’re dealing with. This mindset, of course, does not lend itself to peak health, whether physical or mental, despite the prevailing wisdom that a “real” man is always ready to compete, to perform, to win. That they can easily cast aside their trouble when duty calls, whenever that call comes. This edition of the Healthy Herald hopes to dispel that mindset and to advocate for men and boys to take care of their health—for themselves and for the people they love.
Why is Men’s Health Important?
Every year, Men’s Health Week is celebrated in June in the week leading up to Father’s Day. It serves as a great reminder that good health is important for everyone, including men and boys of any age.
Unfortunately, many men do not visit the doctor as often as they should. Sometimes, they ignore health problems or think they will go away on their own. Research shows that, in general, men experience more poor health than women. They are also shown to:
- Die younger than women do.
- Die more frequently than women amongst almost all of the leading causes of death.
- Have poorer lifestyles that lead to a high proportion of chronic diseases.
- Seek health care late, sometimes when the problem has become untreatable.
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Accidents (unintentional injuries)
(CDC)
Taking care of your health, physical and mental, can help you live a longer, happier life. And it also means you can be there for your family and friends. In fact, there is nothing more “manly” than being able to support your loved ones for a long time by being a healthy person yourself.
Simple Steps for Physical Health
You don’t have to make big changes all at once. In fact, small steps are much easier to maintain and will eventually make a big difference anyway! Here are some simple steps to take care of your health:
Simple Steps for Physical Health
You don’t have to make big changes all at once. In fact, small steps are much easier to maintain and will eventually make a big difference anyway! Here are some simple steps to take care of your health:
- Get Regular Check-Ups
- Visit your doctor for a check-up every year. Doctors can help find problems early, when they are easier to treat. Skipping your check-up is like skipping oil changes for your car. In both cases, something’s going to break down eventually!
- Eat Healthy Foods
- Swap chips for carrot sticks. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you! Aim to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Avoid too much junk food, soda, and candy.
- Stay Active
- Dance, walk, play basketball... just get moving! Even mowing the lawn counts! Exercise helps your body and your mind. Try to get at least 30 minutes of activity most days. Walking your dog for that amount of time burns about 100 calories. That’s like walking off a cookie!
- Super Sleep
- Try to get 8 hours of sleep every night. Your brain and body need to recharge, just like your phone!
- Avoid Bad Habits
- Don’t smoke and try not to drink too much alcohol. Those habits have multiple harmful effects on your body.
- Laugh It Off
- Did you know laughing is good for your heart? Watch a funny movie or tell a joke.
Mental Health Challenges
Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet they are less likely than women to have received mental health treatment in the past year. Mental health means more than just treating mental illness; it includes your state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
By including self-care in your lifestyle, you can improve both your physical and mental health. Self-care helps you manage stress, lower your risk of getting sick, and boost your energy. While it can be different for different people, self-care steps can often look like this:
Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet they are less likely than women to have received mental health treatment in the past year. Mental health means more than just treating mental illness; it includes your state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
By including self-care in your lifestyle, you can improve both your physical and mental health. Self-care helps you manage stress, lower your risk of getting sick, and boost your energy. While it can be different for different people, self-care steps can often look like this:
- Set time to relax
- Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
- Goals and priorities
- Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
- Grounded in gratitude
- Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific and write them down or replay them in your mind.
- Powered by positivity
- Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
- Stay connected
- Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
- Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning because of mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
- Inability to complete usual tasks and activities
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
(NIMH)
If you have concerns about your mental health, talk to a primary care provider. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional who can help you figure out the next steps.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The service is free, kept secret, and available at any time of day or night.
In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Suicide can be prevented. You can learn about the warning signs of suicide and action steps for helping someone in emotional distress.
Talk to the Men in Your Life
Men’s Health Week is also a good time to remind your dad, brother, uncle, or friends to take care of themselves. Most men aren’t accustomed to talking about how they feel or what’s bothering them. Often, they get stuck in a mindset that makes it harder than it needs to be. Sometimes, just talking about health can help someone make better choices.
Taking care of your health doesn’t have to be hard. Start with small changes and build healthy habits. Remember, it’s never too late to make a positive change!
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The service is free, kept secret, and available at any time of day or night.
In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Suicide can be prevented. You can learn about the warning signs of suicide and action steps for helping someone in emotional distress.
Talk to the Men in Your Life
Men’s Health Week is also a good time to remind your dad, brother, uncle, or friends to take care of themselves. Most men aren’t accustomed to talking about how they feel or what’s bothering them. Often, they get stuck in a mindset that makes it harder than it needs to be. Sometimes, just talking about health can help someone make better choices.
Taking care of your health doesn’t have to be hard. Start with small changes and build healthy habits. Remember, it’s never too late to make a positive change!
Stay Healthy, Brown County!
Resources
https://menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mens-Health-Month-Toolkit-2025-3.pdf
https://gamh.org/mens-health-week-2025/
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/mens-health-week-2025/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens-health.htm
https://www.usa.gov/features/improving-mens-health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/basics/mens-health/hlv-20049438
https://www.nphic.org/news/news-highlights/2351-toolkit-june-is-men-s-health-week
https://mhfi.org/mhw2025toolbox.pdf
http://www.ajmc.com/view/men-s-health-month-2025-spotlight-on-prostate-cancer-lifelong-health
https://continentalhospitals.com/blog/mens-health-month-2025/
https://menshealthmonth.org
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7836892/