man holding heart | men’s health month
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Hey fellas, when’s the last time you had a check-up with your healthcare provider? June is Men’s Health Month, which is a great reminder to schedule your annual physical (or ask the men in your life to schedule theirs).

What health issues are important to men?

The leading causes of illness and death among men (think cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes) tend to be conditions you can lower your risk of—or even prevent—with some simple lifestyle changes.

So how can you make sure you (or your brother, father, partner, friend) are staying healthy? Try these tips:

1. Schedule a check-up with your healthcare provider

These appointments are pretty quick and painless, and are usually covered by insurance. Going for a physical once a year can help catch any potential issues (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) before they become a bigger problem. You can also get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

2. Try out "meatless Monday"

Eating less red and processed meat is associated with lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic health conditions. Reducing your meat consumption by just one day a week is likely to make a positive difference for the environment, too. Get some plant-based inspo in this post or try out our burrito bowl or beans and greens burger recipes.

3. Move more, and vary your movements

If you always lift weights at the gym but don’t get much cardio, try adding some jogging, biking, or hiking into your week. If you don’t get much physical activity at all, try to add some extra walking throughout your day. Ideally you’d be moving for at least 30 minutes a day, but that can be broken up in smaller chunks to make it easier. Not sure where to begin? Try this 25-minute HIIT routine to get your heart pumping.

4. Get mental health support when you need it

We all go through tough times. It can feel vulnerable to reach out and talk to someone, but research shows it helps. You can talk to a licensed therapist in person or online, or start by talking to a close friend or family member about what you’re struggling with.

If you are thinking about hurting yourself, call the confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or access their online chat.

To get a referral for a mental health provider for any issue, call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727).

GET HELP OR FIND OUT MORE

Recommended health screenings for men ages 18-39: Medline Plus

Find a mental health provider, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST: SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline
1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)

Get help 24/7: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)


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What was the most interesting thing you read in this article?

Have you seen at least one thing on that you will apply to everyday life?
Have you seen at least one thing on that caused you to get involved, ask for help, utilize campus resources, or help a friend?
If you could change one thing about , what would it be?
Are there any other topics or angles you would like to see in , that we haven't covered?
First name: ?

Last name:

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I do not reside in Nevada Or Hawaii:

Want to increase your chances to win?

Refer up to 3 of your friends and when each visits , you will receive an additional entry into the weekly drawing.

Please note: Unless your friend chooses to opt-in, they will never receive another email from after the initial referral email.

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Have you seen at least one thing on that you will apply to everyday life?
Have you seen at least one thing on that caused you to get involved, ask for help, utilize campus resources, or help a friend?
Are there any other topics or angles you would like to see in , that we haven't covered?
First name: ?

Last name:

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I do not reside in Nevada Or Hawaii:

Want to increase your chances to win?

Refer up to 3 of your friends and when each visits , you will receive an additional entry into the weekly drawing.

Please note: Unless your friend chooses to opt-in, they will never receive another email from after the initial referral email.

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Article sources

Handel, M. N., Cardoso, I., Rasmussen, K. M., & Rohde, J. F., et al. (2019). Processed meat intake and chronic disease morbidity and mortality: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. PloS One, 14(10). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6797176/ 

Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. (2012, March 12). Red meat consumption linked to increased risk of total, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/red-meat-consumption-linked-to-increased-risk-of-total-cardiovascular-and-cancer-mortality/ 

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Health screenings for men ages 18 to 39. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007464.htm

MensHealthMonth.org. (n.d.). Men’s health month. Retrieved from https://www.menshealthmonth.org/

Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Friendship and mental health. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/f/friendship-and-mental-health

US Department of Health and Human Services Minority Health Office. (n.d.). Men’s health month. Retrieved from https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/Content.aspx?ID=10238&lvl=2&lvlid=12

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