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
Tag: Lifespan Gender Gap
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
This Men’s Health Month: Let’s Shift the Focus to DAD!
Father’s Day is next week, which makes this an especially important time to reflect on and support dads everywhere. We may not always know the burdens they shoulder. Many men feel it’s best to stay silent about the physical or mental pain they’re carrying. They just want to be the rock in their family—the steady protector who never asks for help. But we must remember: even the strongest need support. Too many fathers are suffering in silence, believing it’s their role to bear it all alone. Whether it’s unspoken anxiety, untreated chronic pain, or invisible burnout, these internal battles are real—and often devastating if left unaddressed.Continue reading
When a Leader’s Diagnosis Becomes a National Wake-Up Call: Prostate Cancer, Awareness, and the Urgent Need for Change
Former President Joe Biden’s stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis underscores a national failure in men’s health and preventive care. Men’s Health Network is calling for urgent reform to PSA screening guidelines, improved prostate cancer awareness, and expanded support for men’s healthcare—especially for those over age 70. Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early, making timely prostate screenings critical. This moment is a wake-up call to prioritize men’s health policy, close the Lifespan Gender Gap, and increase health education for men.Continue reading
Global Data Confirms It: Men’s Health Deserves Focus, Funding, and a Future
In response to the recent PLOS Medicine, "Sex-disaggregated data along the gendered health pathways" Article: It’s a vital contribution to the men’s health conversation and affirms something we’ve said all along: Men's health outcomes will improve when we prioritize men’s health intentionally. At MHN, we see this Article as a roadmap, but it’s up to all of us—health professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates—to act on it. Follow along for all of our commentary on this article... Continue reading
A New Chapter in Men’s Health Advocacy: 2025 Congressional Men’s Health Caucus Reforms and Rallies Support
Through partnering with the 2025 Congressional Men's Health Caucus, together we can recognizable pattern of neglecting men's and boys' issues—a pattern often driven by the mistaken belief that giving attention to men’s struggles takes something away from other important efforts. As the Caucus continues its work through the remainder of the 118th Congress, it does so with deep respect for the leaders who paved the way—especially Rep. Donald Payne Jr., whose advocacy helped put men’s health on the national stage. Now, a new generation is stepping in—not only on Capitol Hill, but across the country. Nonprofits, doctors, teachers, coaches, and families are joining forces to create a healthier future for our sons, fathers, brothers, and partners.Continue reading
