Growing up, we’re taught that “real men” are tough—they don’t complain, cry, or show emotion—they just power through. But is ignoring your health and well-being really a sign of strength? This antiquated idea has caused too many men to neglect their mental and physical needs.
That’s why every June, we recognize Men’s Health Month—a national effort to raise awareness about the unique health challenges men face and encourage them to prioritize self-care. At Fresh Tri, a health and wellness company committed to helping everyone live their best life, we believe it’s time for men to redefine what it means to be strong.
So let’s break down the “tough guy” myth this Men’s Health Month. Whether you want to be there for your kids’ biggest milestones, keep up with your grandchildren someday, or just wake up with more energy and clarity each day, prioritizing your well-being is essential.
Why Men Need to Focus on Their Health
Is men’s health really that different from women’s? Well, yes, actually.
Breaking Down the Statistics
The numbers don’t lie. There’s a significant gap between men’s and women’s health that desperately needs to be addressed. On average, men live five years less than women and have higher rates of death from the top causes including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and suicide. They’re also less likely to get preventative health screenings or visit the doctor for annual checkups compared to women.
These concerning statistics aren’t meant to spark a gender competition over who is “tougher” but serve as a wake-up call for men to start taking their well-being seriously. The simple fact is that men face increased risks for many life-threatening illnesses, making prevention and early detection absolutely crucial.
Health Concerns Specific to Men
Some of the most common health issues affecting men are often connected. For example, men have higher rates of heart disease partially due to higher stress levels, poor diet and exercise habits, and avoidance of doctor visits—all of which can be improved with lifestyle changes.
Prostate cancer is also a major concern, with one in eight men being diagnosed during their lifetime. And we can’t forget about mental health. Although it affects people of all genders, men are much less likely to seek help for conditions like depression due to harmful societal stigmas.
The good news is that many of these diseases are highly preventable and treatable when caught early through regular screenings and a commitment to healthy habits.
There’s Strength in Prioritizing Your Health
Maybe the biggest health crisis men face is the outdated idea that asking for help or prioritizing self-care is a sign of weakness. Scholars point to traditional societal pressures on men to suppress emotions, dismiss pain, and power through adversity alone as major barriers to men’s mental health and overall well-being.
But here’s the truth—taking charge of your mental and physical health is one of the bravest, strongest things you can do. It means rejecting toxic ideas about masculinity in order to show up more fully in all aspects of your life. Getting support through therapy, support groups, or even just being open with loved ones about your struggles makes you a force to be reckoned with, not weak.
So let’s ditch the “tough guy” narratives and embrace what real strength looks like—being proactive about your well-being, addressing issues head-on, and giving yourself the compassion and care you deserve. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and focusing on both is vital for men of all ages.
Prioritizing Health Made Easy
You don’t need to quit your job and move to a health retreat to start taking better care of yourself. In fact, the best approach for most men is to start small with sustainable lifestyle habits that become second nature over time.
For physical health, that could mean:
- Committing to 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise 3-4 times per week, like going for a jog or bike ride. Find activities you actually enjoy so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
- Adding more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins to your meals—no need to cut out all indulgences.
- Improving sleep habits like limiting screen time before bed and keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
For mental health, try techniques like:
- Meditation or mindfulness practices to reduce stress and increase focus
- Keeping a gratitude journal to promote positivity
- Spending quality time with loved ones—strong social bonds are crucial
And don’t forget preventative care:
- Schedule your annual physical and age-appropriate cancer screenings like prostate exams
- Be honest with your doctor about any mental health concerns so they can point you toward resources
Small steps ultimately lead to big changes in your energy levels, confidence, and overall well-being. What could be stronger than that?
You Deserve to Feel Your Best
This Men’s Health Month and beyond, we encourage all men to redefine strength by making their well-being the top priority. By rejecting toxic narratives about “toughing it out” and instead choosing to proactively care for your mental and physical needs, you’ll have the energy, clarity, and resilience to show up as your best self.
It doesn’t require drastically overhauling your life—start with small, sustainable habits focused on exercise, nutrition, stress management, and preventative care. Taking charge of your health isn’t weak, it’s the boldest display of strength. The FREE Fresh Tri app is here to guide and support you through every step of the journey.
