Tag: health advocacy

“Men’s Health Isn’t Just Personal—It’s Structural:” Why This Conversation Matters Now More Than Ever

Advocacy, Disparities, Editorials, Legislative, Policy, Public Policy, RegulatoryLeave a comment

This article highlights Dr. Dominick Shattuck’s discussion on *The Meaning of Men Podcast*, exploring how men’s health outcomes are influenced not only by personal choices but also by healthcare systems, policies, and social structures. The piece examines why many men disengage from preventive care, the importance of meeting men where they are, and strategies that can improve long-term healthcare engagement. Building on Dr. Shattuck’s insights, Men’s Health Network discusses why this conversation is especially timely amid growing awareness of the Lifespan Gender Gap and ongoing efforts to improve men’s health policy and preventive care. The article emphasizes that men’s health is not just an individual issue, but one that affects families, workplaces, communities, and society as a whole.Continue reading

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

As Colorectal Cancer Rises in Young Men, Silence Remains Deadly

Advocacy, Boys, Growing Up, Health, Health, Other Cancers, PolicyLeave a comment

This personal story explores the growing rise of colorectal cancer among younger men through the experience of Junius Nottingham Jr., whose son Jeremy died from advanced colorectal cancer at just 31 years old after an undiagnosed case of Lynch syndrome. The blog highlights how stigma, silence, and cultural expectations around masculinity often prevent men from speaking up about symptoms, seeking preventive care, or advocating for genetic testing. It also raises awareness about Lynch syndrome as the most common hereditary cause of colorectal cancer and emphasizes the importance of family health history, early detection, and proactive healthcare conversations. Through personal reflection and advocacy, the author encourages men and families to connect the dots around hereditary cancer risks, seek medical evaluation early, and break the silence surrounding men’s health and cancer prevention. Continue reading

Sleep Apnea & Men’s Health: What Couples Should Know During Men’s Health Week

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During Men’s Health Week 2026, the Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners (ASAP) and Men’s Health Network (MHN) are raising awareness around sleep apnea as a major but often overlooked men’s health issue affecting millions of men and families nationwide. The blog highlights how symptoms such as loud snoring, breathing pauses, chronic exhaustion, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction may all be connected to untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It also explores how sleep apnea impacts cardiovascular health, mental health, relationships, workplace productivity, and overall quality of life. Emphasizing that sleep apnea is both a personal and household health issue, ASAP and MHN encourage couples and families to recognize warning signs early, support preventive care conversations, and seek evaluation and treatment to improve long-term health outcomes and well-being.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

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

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

Honoring Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Men’s Health: Celebrating the Inaugural Jimmy Boyd Memorial Award

Advocacy, Editorials, PolicyLeave a comment

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

Shattering the silence: A fresh story for men’s mental health

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

In Shattering the Silence: A Fresh Story for Men's Mental Health, guest contributor Aaradhana Aiyyar explores how cultural norms around masculinity prevent many men from seeking mental health support. The piece highlights the hidden signs of male depression, the physical toll of emotional suppression, and the urgent need to redefine strength as vulnerability. With practical steps for individuals, families, and communities, this blog is a call to action to destigmatize men’s mental health and build a culture where emotional honesty is seen as courage—not weakness.Continue reading

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