Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Men’s Health Week Matters

June isn’t just a time for Father’s Day celebrations and summer beginnings—it’s also a time to focus on an often-overlooked issue: men’s health. Each year, Men’s Health Week (June 9-15) encourages conversations and action around preventing and managing common health conditions that disproportionately affect men.

According to Harvard Health, men in the U.S. live, on average, five years less than women. Many of the factors behind this statistic are preventable with routine screenings, early intervention, and open conversations, especially when it comes to chronic diseases and mental health.

What’s Holding Men Back?

Despite facing higher rates of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, men are less likely to seek preventive care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that:

• 9% of men aged 20+ live with high blood pressure
• 6% are living with obesity
• 5% currently smoke cigarettes
• 9% reported binge drinking at least once in the last year

So what’s getting in the way of better health?

“Fear and pride are among the top reasons that men avoid scheduling a physician visit,” says Dr. Vandana Shrikanth, Adult Medicine physician at Legacy Community Health.

Catching a condition early can make all the difference. Regular check-ups and screenings aren’t just for when something feels off – they’re a smart habit to keep up with over a lifetime.

“Men often delay seeking medical care, whether due to busy schedules, cultural expectations, or the belief that symptoms will resolve on their own,” adds Dr. Rocco Richards, Adult Medicine physician at Legacy. “However, regular check-ups are vital, not just for catching problems early, but for building a baseline of health that can guide better long-term decisions. Early detection of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, chronic infections, or cancer can dramatically improve outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic illness. Prioritizing preventive care isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a proactive step toward staying strong and healthy for the long haul.”

Mental Health Matters, Too

Men’s mental health is another area where silence can be dangerous. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that millions of men in the U.S. experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, yet are far less likely to seek professional help. By 2021, just 40% of men with a reported mental illness received mental health care services in the past year, compared with 52% of women with a reported mental illness. Even when men seek care, that care often falls short.

“Stigma, shame, cultural and societal norms, expectations that equate masculinity with emotional toughness, and finances are some of the various reasons that men avoid scheduling and participating in therapy,” says Jose G. Romero, LCSW-S, Director of Legacy’s Clinic Based Therapy Services.

Romero says that even when men do acknowledge that they need help, some traditional therapies may not resonate with them.

“Not only is it important to find a therapy provider that is the ‘right fit,’ it is also important to find a therapeutic structure that better aligns with how men experience life, relationships, and how they express distress,” he said. “Some men see vulnerability or emotional openness as something ‘unmanly,’ but being vulnerable or emotionally open with the right person can bring about strength, resilience, and even improve physical health.”

He stresses that men’s mental health is a general health issue that not only affects men, it affects their families and their communities.

Five Ways to Support Men’s Health This Month – and Beyond

• Encourage regular check-ups and screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, and prostate health
• Promote conversations about mental well-being
• Support healthy lifestyle changes—balanced eating, physical activity, and better sleep
• Reduce harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Recognize the role of caregivers—men caring for children, spouses, or aging parents need support, too

Staying healthy means being there for the people who matter most.

Legacy Services Supporting Men’s Health

Legacy Community Health provides accessible, comprehensive services tailored to meet men’s physical and mental health needs, including:

• Adult & Pediatric Primary Care
• Behavioral Health
• Dental Services
• Vision Care
• Vaccinations & Screenings
• Nutrition & Wellness Coaching

Appointments can be scheduled online at legacycommunityhealth.org or by calling 832-548-5000.

Health Happens Year-Round with Legacy

Men’s Health Week in June is just one of several recognitions throughout the year aimed at improving awareness and access to care. There are plenty of opportunities year-round to raise awareness and make sure men get the care they need. Whether managing a chronic condition or staying on top of preventive care, men need the right support and encouragement to prioritize their health.

Healthy individuals build strong communities. Legacy is here for men of all ages, helping them stay on track with their health, every day of the year.