NAJune is men’s health month! I’ve noticed over the years, that sometimes, men can appear more resistant to the idea of preventative medicine than women, very generally speaking. I’ve always wondered why this is. Maybe it’s because men are so used to powering through their struggles, to ignoring when something hurts, because the job still needs to be done. I’ve watched countless men I love work through sickness, injury and exhaustion because the job needed to be done and that’s that- there wasn’t room to slow down, let alone stop. That’s sacrifice that deserves recognition and gratitude. Thank you to men who show up when things are tough and finish a job they committed to.
But what if we can appreciate the dedication inherent in the sacrifice- AND recognize that the masculine can also embody it’s strength not just from powering through challenges, but by being aware, seeing a problem before or when it arises, creating a plan to deal with it, and to be consistent and disciplined to see it through. To recognize that care for yourself, inherently gives you a greater capacity to care for others.
There are real health challenges that men are facing every day. The people in your lives depend on you to see them, and address them, so that they can love you better and longer.
Pain, inflammation, declining testosterone levels, heart disease, mental health, weight management, fatigue, prostate health, digestive issues… those are not issues that need to be powered through- they are real problems that need solutions, and there are multiple ways to address each of those issues and the many that I didn’t mention too.
You don’t have to struggle quietly. There are people, whole communities of people, who have experienced these issues, found solutions that work, and felt passionate and motivated to help others do the same!
I encourage you, Men, as a daughter, as a mother, as a friend, as someone who recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices you make, to seek some support if you are experiencing any health challenges. Ask professionals in your area the important questions you may have, such as, “What can I do to protect my testosterone levels as I age?”, “What can I do to lower inflammation or cortisol in the body?”, or “Are there things I can do to help prevent heart disease, degenerative diseases or neurological diseases, and what are they?”. Then, use that advice!
As the women in your life, we need you, we rely on you, and we love you! We want you to feel the best you can feel and be the best version of yourself you can be. We want to support you in that. So thank you to the men, and Happy Men’s Health Month!
