Category: Fatherhood

Why America Can No Longer Ignore Men’s Health: Responding to the Growing Call for a Federal Men’s Health Strategy

Advocacy, Boys, Disparities, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Parenting, PolicyLeave a comment

This response article examines the growing national conversation around men’s health policy through the lens of Dr. Dominick Shattuck’s Substack post, “Why the U.S. Needs a Federal Strategy on Men’s Health.” The blog explores the nearly six-year Lifespan Gender Gap between men and women, highlighting how preventable conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, injury, and suicide continue contributing to premature mortality among men. It discusses the structural, cultural, and healthcare-system barriers that often prevent men from engaging in preventive care early, including stigma, medical mistrust, workplace pressures, and norms surrounding self-reliance. The article also analyzes the proposed H.R. 7602 — State of Men’s Health Act, which would establish a national study on men’s health disparities and create an Office of Men’s Health within HHS to coordinate prevention and public awareness efforts. Throughout the piece, the response emphasizes that improving men’s health outcomes is not a zero-sum issue, but rather a broader public health, workforce, family, and community issue that benefits society as a whole through stronger preventive care, earlier intervention, and improved healthcare engagement.Continue reading

Men’s Health Month, June 2026: A Month of Action for Men, Families, & Communities

Advocacy, Boys, Disparities, Economics, Editorials, Education, Events, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Legislative, Lifestyle, Mental Health, New Again, Parenting, Policy, Public Policy, Regulatory, Relationships, Research and Science, Well-being, WorkLeave a comment

Men's Health Month 2026 brought together healthcare organizations, policymakers, community leaders, employers, volunteers, and advocates from across the country to improve the health and well-being of men and boys. From 170 official proclamations and a Congressional Men's Health Event on Capitol Hill to community fundraisers, educational initiatives, and national partnerships, this year's campaign highlighted the power of collaboration in advancing men's health. As June comes to a close, Men's Health Network reflects on the month's accomplishments and looks ahead to continuing this important work throughout the year.Continue reading

The Importance of Father-Daughter Relationships: A Very Special Father’s Day Blog

Family, Fatherhood, LifestyleLeave a comment

A special Father’s Day reflection, this blog explores the lasting impact fathers can have on their daughters’ confidence, self-worth, relationships, and emotional development. Written from a college woman’s perspective, the article examines how supportive father-daughter relationships can help shape healthy expectations, resilience, and communication skills, while also discussing the broader connection between men’s emotional health and family well-being. The piece highlights the important role fathers play not only in their daughters’ lives, but also in modeling healthy emotional expression and strengthening future generations. Continue reading

The Role of Healthcare Systems in Improving Mental Health Support for Men

Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Others, Parenting, Psychology, Relationships, Stress, Suicide, Well-beingLeave a comment

This blog explores the important role healthcare systems play in improving mental health support for men. It highlights how stigma, traditional masculinity norms, underdiagnosis, and delayed intervention often prevent men from seeking mental health care early. The article discusses how healthcare systems can help close these gaps by expanding access to care, integrating mental health into primary care settings, improving early screening and preventive services, and reducing administrative and financial barriers that limit treatment access. It also examines the operational challenges healthcare providers face when delivering mental health services, including insurance complexity, reimbursement issues, staffing burdens, and long-term care costs. Ultimately, the blog emphasizes that improving men’s mental health outcomes requires a system-wide approach focused on accessibility, early intervention, integrated care, and sustainable healthcare infrastructure that encourages men to seek support without stigma. Continue reading

June 2026: Men’s Health Month is Here!

Boys, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Lifestyle, Parenting, Well-beingLeave a comment

June marks Men’s Health Month and International Men’s Health Week, nationally and internationally recognized awareness periods focused on improving the health and well-being of men and boys through education, prevention, early detection, advocacy, and community engagement. Throughout the month, Men’s Health Network highlights important conversations around preventive care, mental health, chronic disease prevention, fatherhood, caregiving, workplace wellness, and closing the Lifespan Gender Gap through awareness campaigns, policy updates, community partnerships, and actionable health resources.Continue reading

Think Men Can Have Kids Forever? The Truth About Male Age and Fertility

Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Fertility, HealthLeave a comment

States across the U.S. are increasingly advancing legislation to remove cost barriers to prostate cancer screening, reflecting a broader shift toward prioritizing preventive care for men through coordinated, data-driven advocacy. Efforts led by partners like ZERO Prostate Cancer and supported by Men’s Health Network are driving measurable progress, with multiple states passing, advancing, or developing bills that expand access to PSA and DRE screenings. Evidence from places like Maryland shows that eliminating out-of-pocket costs increases screening rates, reinforcing the value of these policies. Together, these state-level actions demonstrate how a connected national network can turn advocacy into impact—improving early detection, strengthening public health outcomes, and continuing to build momentum for men’s health nationwide.Continue reading

Masculinity, Health, and the Power of Understanding: Why Dr. Smiler’s Books Make an Impact on the Conversation

Boys, Education, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, Psychology, Well-beingLeave a comment

This blog highlights how Andrew Smiler brings clarity and balance to today’s conversations about masculinity through Is Masculinity Toxic?: A Primer for the 21st Century and The Masculine Self (7th Edition). Together, these books offer accessible language and evidence-informed insight into how masculine norms shape health, behavior, and relationships, moving the conversation beyond sound bites toward understanding that supports healthier outcomes for men and boys.Continue reading

Breaking the Silence: Men, Mental Health, and Addiction Recovery

Anxiety, Depression, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Psychology, Relationships, Stress, Suicide, WorkLeave a comment

Men’s mental health and addiction are deeply connected, yet many men struggle in silence due to stigma and cultural expectations. This blog explores the unique mental health challenges men face, the link between untreated mental health conditions and substance use, and the barriers that prevent men from seeking help. Highlighting the work of Men’s Health Network and Northern Illinois Recovery Center, it underscores the importance of male-focused, evidence-based treatment, education, and community support in breaking the silence and helping men begin the path toward recovery and long-term wellness.Continue reading

Merry Christmas from Men’s Health Network: Honoring Our Legacy, Renewing Our Mission

Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Lifestyle, Parenting, Well-beingLeave a comment

A Christmas message from Men’s Health Network reflecting on a year of progress, honoring a legacy that helped shape the men’s health movement, and recommitting to an empathy-driven mission focused on education, prevention, advocacy, and community outreach, so that men can live longer, healthier lives and remain present for the families and communities that depend on them.Continue reading

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

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