Category: Growing Up

This Giving Tuesday: Be the Change Men’s Health Needs

Advocacy, Boys, Disparities, Economics, Editorials, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Legislative, Lifestyle, New Again, Policy, Public Policy, RegulatoryLeave a comment

Giving Tuesday is next week, and Men’s Health Network (MHN) is calling on supporters to help close the Lifespan Gender Gap and build empathy for men’s health. This year, MHN expanded outreach across communities, churches, and schools, relaunched the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, and supported bipartisan resolutions like H.R. 1300 (PSA Screening for HIM Act) and H.R. 675 (Prostate Cancer Awareness Month), advancing prevention and early detection nationwide. From toolkits that reached thousands to Ambassadors leading local events, MHN continues reaching men where they live, work, play, and pray. Your support powers awareness, education, and advocacy that saves lives.Continue reading

Reclaiming Masculinity: The Courage to Be Whole

Boys, Editorials, Growing Up, Masculinity, New AgainLeave a comment

In Reclaiming Masculinity: The Courage to Be Whole, Men’s Health Network spotlights the work of Dr. David P. Jachim, a psychoanalyst and MHN Advisory Board member whose book Men at the Brink: Masculinity in the 21st Century explores how modern narratives have distorted society’s view of manhood. Dr. Jachim examines the emotional and cultural costs of labeling masculinity as “toxic,” while calling for men to reclaim the virtues of courage, compassion, and integrity. Through empathy, self-care, and brotherhood, men can resist alienation and redefine strength in ways that heal, not harm. This reflection offers a powerful reminder: masculinity is not the problem—misunderstanding it is.Continue reading

Homicide and the Lifespan Gender Gap

Boys, Domestic Violence, Economics, Education, Events, Family, Family Issues, Growing Up, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, PrisonLeave a comment

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

Advocacy, Aging, Anxiety, Boys, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Diabetes, Disparities, Editorials, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fertility, Growing Up, Health, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, Nutrition, Other Cancers, Parenting, Policy, Psychology, Relationships, Sex, STDs, Testicular, Testosterone, Well-beingLeave a comment

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

Anxiety, Boys, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Education, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, Others, Psychology, Relationships, Stress, Suicide, Well-beingLeave a comment

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

Simple and Effective Ways Fathers Can Support Healthy Habits in Kids

Anxiety, Boys, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Masculinity, Mental Health, Others, Parenting, Psychology, Relationships, Stress, Suicide, Well-beingLeave a comment

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

Aging, Boys, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Health, Other Cancers, Parenting, Prostate, Well-beingLeave a comment

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.

Anxiety, Boys, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Masculinity, Mental Health, Others, Parenting, Psychology, Relationships, Stress, Suicide, Well-beingLeave a comment

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.)

Boys, Education, Growing Up, Health, MasculinityLeave a comment

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

Why I Care About Men’s Health… And Why You Should Too

Anxiety, Boys, Depression, Education, Education, Family, Family Issues, Growing Up, Health, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, Psychology, Relationships, Stress, Suicide, Well-beingLeave a comment

In "Speaking Up for the Silent Majority," Shelby Leventhal, a college senior at the University of Kentucky, shares a powerful perspective on why women should care about men’s health. Drawing from her own experiences and observations, she explores the stigma that keeps many men from seeking care and urges women to play a more active role in encouraging the men in their lives to prioritize both physical and mental health. Through personal stories, cultural reflection, and a call to action, Shelby makes a compelling case for empathy, awareness, and support in the men’s health movement.Continue reading

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