Category: Education

Boys Falling Off the Health-Care Map: And How We Keep Them Connected

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

This blog, reposted from Dominick Shattuck, PhD’s Substack with permission from the author, examines new research showing how many boys quietly disengage from preventive health care during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Drawing on findings from the Journal of Adolescent Health and decades of men’s health research, the piece explores how masculinity norms, low perceived risk, structural barriers, and unwelcoming health systems contribute to boys “falling off the health-care map.” It highlights why this early disengagement matters for long-term health outcomes and outlines practical, evidence-informed strategies for building health systems that keep boys connected to care before preventable problems become lifelong challenges.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

Men’s Health Network Wins Two ADDY Awards: The Choice Is Yours Campaign

Education, Health, Lifestyle, VaccinesLeave a comment

Men’s Health Network’s Choice Is Yours campaign—featuring Dres of the iconic 90s hip-hop group Black Sheep—earned two ADDY Awards for Strategic Communications and Web Video, recognizing its culturally authentic, long-form approach to men’s health education. Centered on a three-hour, in-depth conversation, the campaign emphasizes choice, empathy, and trust, meeting men where they are and empowering them to engage with their health on their own terms.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

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

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

Prostate Cancer Needs More Than a Global Initiative: Ground-Level Action Needed

Advocacy, Boys, Disparities, Economics, Education, Education, Family, Family Issues, Fatherhood, Growing Up, Health, Health, Legislative, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Policy, Prostate, Public Policy, Regulatory, Research and ScienceLeave a comment

Men’s Health Network responds to Global Action on Men’s Health’s new report on prostate cancer with a call for urgent, ground-level action. While supporting a WHO-led global initiative, MHN stresses that real impact requires community outreach, empathy-driven education, and trusted local engagement. Prostate cancer is rising fast, especially among underserved men, yet too many go without screening or support. This Men’s Health Month, MHN urges policymakers and the public to bridge the empathy gap and take action now. Learn more, get involved, and help bring life-saving care to where men live, work, play, and pray.Continue reading

International Men’s Health Week 2025: Lead with Empathy, Act with Purpose

Advocacy, Aging, Anxiety, Boys, Disparities, Economics, Editorials, Education, Education, Growing Up, Health, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, New Again, Policy, Psychology, Public Policy2 Comments

As we celebrate International Men’s Health Week, it’s important to recognize where it all began. Men’s Health Network not only launched Men’s Health Week and Men’s Health Month—they laid the groundwork for a global movement. Their advocacy helped pass the original Congressional resolution in 1994, signed into law by President Bill Clinton, establishing Men’s Health Week as a national observance. From there, they created the infrastructure, messaging, and coalition-building that gave rise to what is now an international health campaign.Continue reading

The Role of Lifestyle Choices in Men’s Health: Nutrition, Exercise, & Beyond

Anxiety, Boys, Chronic Fatigue, Education, Education, Events, Fitness, Growing Up, Health, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, Nutrition, Psychology, Sports, Stress, Testicular, Testosterone, WorkLeave a comment

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small. Pick one habit this week—meal prep, daily walks, earlier bedtime—and commit to it. Over time, these small wins compound into real, measurable health improvements. Yet many men are still unaware of just how impactful their habits can be. The good news? Even small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being. In this article, I’ll outline the evidence-based lifestyle pillars that support physical, mental, and metabolic health in men—and offer practical strategies to start improving them today.Continue reading

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