International Men’s Health Week 2023

International Men’s Health Week (IMHW) is a global health week dedicated to the promotion of Male Physical and Mental well-being. This significant milestone in the year brings to light so many facts and issues, that too often go undiscussed.

IMHW 2023 gives us all an opportunity to encourage Men from across our corner of the globe, to take care of themselves both physically and mentally - reflecting on their day-to-day lifestyle practices, aligning them with positive behavioural changes - with long-term impacts in mind.

Through discussing topics such as healthy eating, exercise regimens and stress management; we are supporting males in moderating these pursuits for improved personal well-being. We understand that barriers exist within our society due to misconceptions or stigmas surrounding men’s physical and mental health; however, it is time we stop ignoring them altogether – actively educating ourselves and raising awareness alike.

Overview of International Men’s Health Week and Its Mission

International Men's Health Week is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness about the health challenges faced by men, worldwide. The event, which is celebrated annually in the second week of June, focuses on promoting healthy living and encouraging men to take charge of their well-being.

Through various initiatives, such as health fairs, workshops, and talks, International Men's Health Week aims to educate men on the importance of healthy lifestyles, regular health checks, and seeking medical advice when needed. By addressing the unique health needs of men, the campaign seeks to improve the overall health and well-being of men worldwide.

With its mission to encourage men to prioritize their health, International Men's Health Week serves as a vital reminder of the importance of good health and well-being for all.

Statistics Exploring Men's Health in Canada

Men's health is an often-overlooked topic that deserves attention. Statistics exploring men's health in Canada reveal several alarming trends. According to a study conducted by Statistics Canada, men have a lower life expectancy compared to women, with an average of 78.5 years compared to 83 years for women.

Men are also at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and prostate cancer. Additionally, men are more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as smoking and binge drinking.

Mental health is another important aspect of men's health in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, with only 1 in 5 men seeking help compared to 1 in 3 women.

This highlights the need for increased awareness and support for men's mental health. Other factors that contribute to men's health include lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic status.

These statistics highlight the importance of prioritizing men's health and finding ways to reduce health disparities between men and women.

All Men Go to the Gym… Right?

Some Men may feel body conscious about using the gym for a variety of reasons. One common concern is a fear of being judged by others for their physical appearance or fitness level. This can lead to feelings of discomfort or self-consciousness, which can be a barrier to using the gym regularly.

Additionally, some men may feel pressure to conform to certain societal standards of masculinity and physical fitness, which can further compound feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. This can make it difficult for men to feel confident and motivated in their fitness journeys and may prevent them from taking full advantage of the benefits of using a gym.

However, there are many exercise activities that men can do at home to avoid going to the gym, which can contribute to better physical health.

Simple bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges are effective ways to build strength and endurance without any equipment. Skipping or jumping rope is also a great cardiovascular exercise that can be done indoors or outdoors.

Resistance bands are an inexpensive and versatile piece of equipment that can be used for a range of exercises targeting different muscle groups. Yoga and Pilates are excellent options for improving flexibility, balance, and core strength. Heading out for a run or taking a long walk all helps in physical fitness.

Additionally, with the rise of online fitness resources, men can access a variety of workout programs and classes from the comfort of their own homes. By incorporating these exercises into their daily routines, men can maintain a healthy level of physical activity without the need for a gym membership.

Perceived Stigmas Around Men’s Mental Health

The conversation around mental health has been growing in recent years, with an increased number of people opening-up and sharing their struggles. However, when it comes to men, there can often be a stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues - many men still feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their struggles.

This is a problem that affects men all around the world, from Australia to Zimbabwe. Factors such as cultural expectations of masculinity and a lack of access to mental health resources can further exacerbate the issue.

This perceived stigma can prevent men from seeking the care and support they need, which can lead to more serious health issues. It is important to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, and everyone deserves to prioritize their own well-being.

It is important to recognise that mental health affects everyone, regardless of gender, and for men to feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgement or shame. It is vital to be aware of the challenges men can face. While it may be challenging for men to open-up about their mental health struggles, it is crucial to find ways to support them.

The first step is to listen to them without judgment, as this may encourage them to open-up. Encourage them to seek professional help and let them know that it is okay to ask for help. Encourage them to engage in activities that promote positive thinking, such as exercise and meditation. It is essential to keep checking in on them as they go through their journey to recovery.

Remember that supporting men's mental health requires patience and understanding, and everyone's journey is unique. Let us spread awareness about men's mental health issues and provide support whenever possible.

International Men’s Health Week is a call to action for everyone to help support and care for the men in our lives. From recognizing the prevalence of physical and mental health issues to educating ourselves on the stigma associated with them, we must understand why specific issues are important for men's well-being.

It is also vitally important that we act and support the men in our lives who may be suffering from mental health issues, by providing resources and taking steps to ensure they feel safe and understood. By doing so, we can promote awareness of men’s issues, exchange stories and experiences, reduce stigmas around men’s health, and save precious lives.