Honoring Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Men’s Health: Celebrating the Inaugural Jimmy Boyd Memorial Award
Men’s Health Network commemorates a milestone moment in the men’s health movement with the presentation of the Inaugural Jimmy Boyd Memorial Award for Leadership in Men’s and Boys’ Health, established by the APHA Men’s Health Caucus. The award honors the legacy of Jimmy Boyd, former Executive Director of MHN’s Washington, D.C. office, whose decades of advocacy helped launch Men’s Health Week and later Men’s Health Month. Jimmy’s bold leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of men and boys continue to influence the field today. The first recipient of the award, Derek M. Griffith, PhD, was recognized for his extensive contributions to men’s health research, policy, and global leadership. In his acceptance statement, Derek reflected on Jimmy’s generosity, wisdom, and guidance—qualities that shaped many of today’s men’s health advocates. Global Action on Men’s Health (GAMH) also celebrated Derek’s recognition, noting how his leadership honors Jimmy’s legacy while advancing the movement worldwide. The blog highlights MHN’s official tribute to Jimmy Boyd, emphasizing his profound impact on policy, advocacy, mentorship, and the spirit of the men’s health movement. It also reflects on the award’s significance as a symbol of continuity—from Jimmy’s foundational work to Derek’s ongoing leadership. Together, Jimmy Boyd’s legacy and Derek Griffith’s achievements underscore the compassion, dedication, and human connection that continue to propel the men’s health movement forward.CONTINUE READING→
Homicide and the Lifespan Gender Gap
Summary: Men’s Health Network highlights how homicide contributes to the Lifespan Gender Gap—the nearly six-year difference in life expectancy between men and women. Each preventable death of a young man shortens the national average and represents lost potential, relationships, and community strength. In his article, Dr. Andrew Smiler examines data showing that men account for 80% of homicide victims, with most deaths occurring among young men under 35. Many are killed by people they know, often in moments of conflict or status-related tension. Smiler suggests that prevention begins with education—teaching boys and men how to resolve conflict, manage emotions, and de-escalate situations without violence. Men’s Health Network calls for greater empathy and early intervention to help young men live longer, healthier lives, reminding readers that every life saved helps close the gap and strengthen families and communities nationwide.CONTINUE READING→
November: A Month to Focus on Men’s Health and Community
November is a pivotal month for raising awareness about men’s health and community well-being. From Alzheimer’s and diabetes to epilepsy, tobacco use, and sexual health, each observance offers an opportunity to take action and encourage preventive care. Men’s Health Network emphasizes that health doesn’t take a season off—simple habits, early conversations, and empathy-driven outreach can make lasting change. This month’s blog highlights national campaigns like the Great American Smokeout, National Diabetes Month, and Impotence Education Month, alongside Illinois’ groundbreaking creation of a Division of Men’s Health. It also spotlights the growing Men’s Health Ambassadorship Program—ordinary people doing extraordinary work to close the Lifespan Gender Gap and build healthier communities. Through awareness, advocacy, and everyday choices, November reminds us that improving men’s health is a shared mission that benefits families, workplaces, and society as a whole.CONTINUE READING→
Male Suicide and the Lifespan Gender Gap
October is National Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month, a time to bring attention to the silent crisis affecting men and boys. In this blog, Men’s Health Network highlights the deep connection between suicide and the Lifespan Gender Gap, reminding us that men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Contributor Dr. Andrew Smiler examines the data, cultural pressures, and life circumstances, such as loss of work or relationships, that contribute to male suicide rates. The piece urges readers to break the silence, check in with the men in their lives, and remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Together, we can close the gap and remind the world that mental health is men’s health.CONTINUE READING→
Championing Men’s Health: MHN’s 2025 Policy and Advocacy Highlights
In 2025, Men’s Health Network advanced men’s health by supporting prostate and kidney cancer research, pushing for stronger HPV vaccination guidance for boys, expanding telehealth access, and endorsing global prevention initiatives. These efforts highlight MHN’s leadership in shaping policies that improve the health and future of men and boys.CONTINUE READING→
Testosterone Therapy May Boost Gains in the Gym, but is Crushing Your Fertility
Testosterone therapy has become a popular topic in men’s health media, promoted for benefits like increased muscle mass, energy, mood, and sexual performance, but it carries serious risks, especially to male fertility. While it may improve short-term gains, testosterone use can cause testicle shrinkage, drastically lower sperm production, and even lead to azoospermia within months. Recovery after stopping therapy can take months to years, and in some cases may never return to normal, complicating family planning, especially when partnered with a woman facing age-related fertility decline. Unsafely using testosterone without medical supervision also raises risks of heart disease and other health complications. For men concerned about fertility, lifestyle changes and supervised treatments that stimulate natural testosterone production offer safer alternatives.CONTINUE READING→
Simple and Effective Ways Fathers Can Support Healthy Habits in Kids
Fathers play a powerful role in shaping their kids’ lifelong health. By modeling good habits—like eating balanced meals, staying active, keeping a sleep routine, managing emotions, and building positive relationships—dads can make healthy living natural, fun, and lasting.CONTINUE READING→
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Prevention, Action, and Community Support
Men’s Health Network marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2025 by stressing prevention, early detection, and community support. With over 299,000 men expected to be diagnosed this year, awareness saves lives. MHN offers a free toolkit, encourages families to promote screenings, and invites readers to subscribe, donate, and become Ambassadors to spread the message nationwide.CONTINUE READING→
Man Therapy® – You Can’t Fix Your Mental Health With Duct Tape.
This blog highlights Man Therapy®, a groundbreaking men’s mental health initiative that uses humor, education, and stigma-smashing strategies to engage men upstream of crisis. By reframing mental health as a sign of strength and providing practical tools, resources, and research-backed approaches, Man Therapy helps men take action, build resilience, and reduce suicide risk in their communities.CONTINUE READING→
Rethinking Masculinity: Insights from “The Masculine Self” (7th Ed.)
Rethinking Masculinity: Insights from The Masculine Self highlights how cultural norms shape men’s health, relationships, and well-being. Drawing from the 7th edition of The Masculine Self by Andrew Smiler, PhD, and Christopher Kilmartin, PhD, the blog explores how ideas of toughness and stoicism influence men’s willingness to seek care, their mental health, and even life expectancy. It examines links between masculinity, violence, suicide, media influence, and physical health, while emphasizing empathy and the importance of supportive spaces. Men’s Health Network underscores that redefining masculinity can improve outcomes and create healthier, more connected lives for men and boys.CONTINUE READING→