Let’s Talk Men’s Health: A June Wellness Initiative

We all probably know a man (maybe even a few) who grumbles about going to the doctor or puts off preventive exams because “nothing is wrong.” Or perhaps you are this person! Compared to women, many men are less likely to seek preventive health care, putting off regular check-ups and important medical screenings. They are also more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors such as smoking, drinking excessively, and reckless decision making. As a result, research shows that men live an average of six years less than women. Men’s Health Month highlights the importance of prevention by promoting early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.  

The Facts About Men’s Health

• According to the CDC, 14.7% of men aged 18 and older report being in fair or poor health.
• Men face unique health problems such as prostate and testicular cancer.
• Compared to women, men are more likely to die from conditions like heart disease and cancer. They are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, with 350,000 men dying from cardiovascular disease each year.
• Alarmingly, men die by suicide at four times the rate of women.

The Barriers to Seeking Preventive Care

Many men are raised to be “tough” and “manly,” and while some societal norms around masculinity are evolving, these expectations still exist. Being masculine is often associated with high-risk behaviors and never showing vulnerability or asking for help. In addition to the societal stigma men face, there are three common reasons men give for not seeking preventive care:

1. Cost—They believe it’s too expensive.
2. Time—They don't think they have enough time in their schedule and fear being judged or penalized for missing work due to appointments.
3. Perception of Health—They think, “There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m not sick.”

Furthermore, one in five men report that they avoid the doctor out of concern of finding something seriously wrong with their health.

Strategies to Support Men in the Workplace

To add to your comprehensive workplace wellness strategy, consider the following suggestions to better support men’s health and wellness in the workplace.

• Provide Manager Training: Especially regarding mental health, managers should clearly understand the societal stigma men face around seeking help. Managers should know when and how to offer resources like employee assistance program (EAP) information or other benefits that might be available. They should also recognize the broader hesitation men have toward preventive care so they can offer meaningful support in overcoming these barriers.
• Encourage Prevention: Use communication campaigns to keep men informed of age-based screening recommendations, and help them understand their health insurance benefits so they know what options are available. To better support men, and all employees, consider offering flexibility for appointments as a way of promoting a culture of health and wellness.
• Offer Male-Specific Educational Content: It's important for men to focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, nutrition, stress management, sleep, and responsible alcohol use. Tailoring the health messages specifically to them can significantly increase their impact. Additionally, providing education on health issues unique to men, such as prostate and testicular cancer, can raise awareness and highlight the importance of prevention.
• Implement Strategically: Because of the barriers listed above, some men may respond more positively to certain approaches than others. Here are a couple ideas to explore when integrating men’s health initiatives into your overall wellness strategy.
  • Add some humor—Incorporating light humor into educational materials, presentations, or wellness communications can make content more approachable and engaging. This approach may help men feel more at ease and more likely to participate in wellness offerings and use available benefits.
  • Provide a self-paced learning option—Health, specifically men’s health, can be a deeply personal topic and some prefer to explore it privately. Providing self-paced educational resources, such as modules, videos, or toolkits, allows men the opportunity to learn at their own pace. This method can improve engagement by reducing discomfort and minimizing the fear of stigma.

Men’s Health Month is an opportunity to challenge outdated norms and create a culture where health is a priority. By encouraging awareness, providing support, and offering education and resources, the workplace can help more men take control of their well-being.

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  Ashton DeMoss

  Wellness Content and Information Specialist

  IFEBP

  As a Wellness Content and Information Specialist at the Wellness Alliance, Ashton is passionate about supporting employee well-being and advancing workplace wellness initiatives. With over 12 years of experience as a certified health coach, Ashton has worked extensively in the worksite wellness sector, empowering individuals and organizations to prioritize health and create sustainable wellness strategies. Outside of work, she enjoys group exercise classes and participating in a monthly book club to nurture both her physical and mental well-being.