Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men who care for others, from fathers and grandfathers to mentors and role models. As Men’s Health Month is also observed throughout June, it serves as an important reminder for men to prioritize something they often put last: their own well-being.
“Many men spend so much time taking care of their families, careers and other responsibilities that their own health can fall to the bottom of the list,” said Adam Mortimer, DO. “Routine care and preventive screenings are some of the most effective tools we have for identifying health concerns early and helping people stay healthy over the long term.”
Despite the benefits of preventive care, many men continue to delay or forgo routine medical visits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of men have hypertension, and nearly 40% of men age 20 and older are living with obesity. Yet only 56% receive an annual physical.
Smoking and barriers to health care can further increase long-term risk. CDC data show that more than one in 10 men smoke cigarettes and about 11% of men under age 65 are uninsured, making it harder to access regular care and early treatment.
A strong relationship with a health care provider can help men better understand and manage their individual health risks. Many of the most common health conditions affecting men, including heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can develop silently for years before symptoms appear.
“Establishing a longitudinal relationship allows for a personalized risk assessment based on your baseline health and family history,” Mortimer said. “Regular visits help ensure recommended screenings are completed and provide opportunities to identify concerns before they become serious.”
Physical health is only part of the picture. Just as the body needs attention, so does emotional and mental well-being. Yet many men face challenges when it comes to seeking support.
Research suggests men are often less likely to seek help for stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns because of stigma and cultural expectations that value self-reliance and emotional restraint. The consequences can be serious: men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many men feel pressure to handle challenges on their own,” Mortimer said. “It is also important to recognize that depression in men frequently presents differently, often manifesting as irritability, anger or substance use rather than classic sadness.”
Reaching out to a health care provider, counselor or trusted professional can help men access support and improve their overall well-being. No one should feel like they have to face these challenges alone.
Delaying support can affect not only emotional well-being but also relationships, quality of life and overall wellness. Talking with a trusted provider or mental health professional is an important part of maintaining well-being.
While all men can benefit from preventive care, regular screenings and mental health support, health outcomes are not experienced equally across populations.
CDC data show that men from some racial and ethnic groups, particularly Black men, experience higher rates of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, along with earlier onset and more severe outcomes.
The good news is that many of the most common health risks facing men are preventable or manageable with the right care.
Mortimer shared that one large study of more than 700,000 U.S. veterans found that adopting healthy habits such as regular physical activity, good nutrition, adequate sleep and effective stress management was associated with substantially longer life expectancy.
These findings reinforce that small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a meaningful impact on long-term health.
Steps men can take to improve their health include:
- Scheduling regular visits with a primary care physician
• Getting recommended screenings based on age and risk factors
• Managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes
• Maintaining healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep
• Seeking support for mental health concerns when needed
Mortimer encourages men to focus on progress rather than perfection.
“You don’t have to change everything overnight,” Mortimer said. “Good health is built one step at a time. Whether it’s scheduling a check-up, going for a daily walk or talking with someone about a concern, taking that first step can have a lasting impact on your health and quality of life.”