The state of Florida, as well as the cities of Gainesville, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Naples, Ocala, Tarpon Springs, and West Palm Beach, have issued proclamations celebrating men’s health and fatherhood in June, helping educate men, boys, and their families about disease prevention, timely screenings, healthy lifestyles, and positive family relationships.
The proclamations can be found here.
The importance of this effort was also highlighted by a statement from the White House.
Raising awareness of the need for men and boys to live healthy lifestyles is critical to their wellbeing. The life expectancy for men is five years less than women, and men also have higher rates of death from cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports women are 100% more likely to visit their doctor for annual exams and preventative services than men.
Report cards on the status of male health in each state can be found at the State of Men’s Health website. Proclamations from cities and states be found at www.MensHealthMonth.com
“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to acknowledge the impact this health crisis has had on all of us,” Gainesville Mayor Lauren B. Poe said. “I encourage Gainesville’s men and boys to follow good physical and mental health practices and learn more about how to best protect their health by visiting menshealthmonth.org.”
“The City of Tarpon Springs is proud to support and recognize June as Men’s Health Awareness Month and issue a Proclamation to our citizens to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and medical check-ups,” said Tarpon Springs Mayor Chris Alahouzos.
“It’s very important that more men are reached and made to think of men’s health, and what we all need to do to be more fit and healthy,” said Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy. “This is why Men’s Health Month is so important.”
“We applaud officials in their states for helping raise awareness of the health issues facing men and their families by recognizing this year’s men’s health awareness period,” said Ana Fadich, MPH, CHES, Vice President, Men’s Health Network. “Communities around the globe continue to promote the health and well-being of men and boys throughout the month of June. We hope this year’s awareness period will help men and their families be more mindful of their health starting with a doctor’s appointment.”
Across the country, hundreds of health care professionals, private corporations, faith-based organizations, community groups, and other interested organizations help plan activities and events that focus on men’s health during June, and throughout the year. On June 18, MHN encourages participation in using the #ShowUsYourBlue hashtag on social media where participants raised awareness about men’s health issues by Wearing BLUE.
Men’s Health Month grew out of National Men’s Health Week, which was enacted by Congress. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Bob Dole and Congressman Bill Richardson and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994.
Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week are organized by Men’s Health Network MHN), an international non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and Facebook at www.facebook.com/menshealthnetwork. For more information on MHN’s ongoing Dialogue on Men’s Health series, visit www.dialogueonmenshealth.com