June 2021: Men's Health Month

WHEREAS, despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of five years less than women, with Native American and African American men having the lowest life expectancy; and,

 

WHEREAS, every person should be able to reach their full health potential, without barriers  linked to race or ethnicity, gender identity, education, income location, or other social factors; and,

 

WHEREAS, men are less likely to seek help for depression, stress, and substance abuse than women due to social norms, reluctance to talk, and downplaying symptoms, and they represent 79% of all suicides in the United States, according to a report released by the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education; and,

 

WHEREAS, educating the public and health care providers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality from disease; and,

 

WHEREAS, men who are educated about the value of preventive health will be more likely to participate in health screenings; and,

 

WHEREAS, fathers who maintain a healthy lifestyle are role models for their children and may have happier, healthier children; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Men's Health Network worked with Congress to develop a national men's health awareness period as a special campaign to help educate men, boys, and their families about the importance of positive health attitudes and preventative health practices; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has received grant funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control to implement a program, Preventing Suicide in Michigan Men, to reduce the number of suicide deaths of Michigan men aged 25 and older over the next five years; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Men's Health Month website has been established at www.MensHealthMonth.org and features resources, proclamations, and information about awareness events and activities, including Wear Blue for Men's Health; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan Men's Health Month will bring awareness to a broad range of men's health issues, including heart disease, mental health, diabetes, and prostate, testicular and colon cancer, recommit to providing resources to men who need them, and encourage residents of our state to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and medical check-ups;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Men's Health Month in Michigan.