June marks Men’s Health Month, and this year marks the 21st year since National Men’s Health Week (NMHW), now a part of Men’s Health Month, was passed by Congress in 1994. NMHW is celebrated each year as the week that ends on Father’s Day, June 15th to 21st in 2015, and is now celebrated around the globe as International Men’s Health Week.
Following the lead of Congress, Governors, and over 80 Mayors have issued proclamations announcing Men’s Health Week in their jurisdictions. Those can be viewed here.
Hundreds of workplaces, health-care professionals, unions, sports franchises, faith-based and fraternal organizations, and others are engaging in activities to encourage healthy behavior among men and boys. These activities take the form of Wear Blue campaigns, informational articles in corporate newsletters, lunch-n-learns, conferences, bulletin board displays, videos, community health fairs, and more.
“Getting more men to take an active role in their health will lead to stronger and happier families. Women are in a unique position to help men and boys achieve their goals.”
Congress participates, as do many federal and state agencies. The Congressional Men’s Health Caucus takes the lead with floor statements and other activities, including a Circuit Workout early in the morning of June 25th.
“We invite all men to take advantage of the many health screenings and awareness activities taking place in their communities during National Men’s Health Week,” said Ana Fadich, MHN Vice President. “Getting more men to take an active role in their health will lead to stronger and happier families. Women are in a unique position to help men and boys achieve their goals.”
The festivities include:
•Free health screenings – Offered by health care providers across the country.
•Wear Blue on June 19th – The #ShowUsYourBlue social media storm on Friday, June 19th. Participants include private companies, health clinics, public agencies, and more.
•Twitter Chat June 23rd – A Men and Mental Health Twitter Chat on Tuesday, June 23rd at 1:00 pm ET using the hashtag #MensHealthMonth – Men’s Health Network partners with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the U.S. Surgeon General, Mayo Clinic, and Mental Health America (MHA), and others.