Men’s Health Month is here, which only means one thing: it’s time to stress the importance of health for men everywhere.
The issue of men’s health is no small matter. According to the CDC, men live an average of five years less than their female counterparts. Thanks to societal pressure, men’s health is often overlooked or neglected.
Of course, health isn’t always just about regular checkups at the doctor. Sexual health is just as important. From body image to sexual anatomy to healthy masturbation, sexual wellness has an important role.
That’s why JIMMYJANE is putting the spotlight on men’s health. Join us as we explore how we can celebrate the men in our lives by prioritizing their health this month and beyond.
Why Is Men’s Health Month So Important?
When looking at the statistics, there’s a big question: Why is there such a disparity between women’s and men’s health?
Well, there isn’t a simple answer.
Factors like lifestyle choices, stress, and societal pressure can lead to men neglecting their health. The thought of going to the doctor, getting regular preventative exams, or taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle can feel like admitting to weakness — not fitting the mold of a “real” man.
Did you know that 40% of men delay medical care when handling the sick? Seventeen percent even admitted to waiting “at least a week” before going to the doctor.
That’s why we see many men suffering from physical and mental issues in their lives. And yes, that goes for sexual wellness too. Improving your physical, mental, and sexual health can increase your longevity and quality of life.
Common Health Issues Affecting Men
So what kind of issues are we looking to prevent? Here are some of the screening tests recommended for men:
- Blood pressure
- Colon cancer
- Skin cancer
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Depression
- Type 2 diabetes
- Lipid disorders
- STDs
Screening is the best way to get ahead of a potential issue so you can get treated immediately. But that isn’t the only preventative care for Men’s Health Month. Regular exercise, healthy diets, regular use of sunscreen, and stress-relieving activities can all play a role in improving your health.
And of course, regular sexual activity can also help you stay at peak health. Did you know that frequent masturbation can lower your risk of developing prostate cancer?
It also comes with many other benefits, like strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, preventing erectile dysfunction, boosting immunity, improving skin, and helping you fall asleep at night.
Ways To Celebrate Men’s Wellness Month
This June, it’s time to start making wellness a top priority for all men. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Men’s Health Month.
1. Focus on Empathy
If you have men in your life — friends, brothers, fathers, and sons — showing them that you care about their health is another way to value them. Encourage the men around you to care for themselves and make wise choices to prevent and diagnose conditions early.
Remember that it can be difficult for some men to prioritize their health. There’s a lingering stigma surrounding physical health issues, not to mention concepts like sex, body positivity, and masturbation. It can be hard to reach out for help.
2. Wear Blue
Wearing blue is one of the many ways to spread awareness about Men’s Health Month. By putting on a blue shirt, you can show the men in your life that you care about their health. It’s also a way to raise money for education on regular checkups for health issues that affect men.
Of course, it doesn’t have to stop there. Getting a blue toy (like a stroker, penis ring, sleeve, or more) can show your partner that you also care about their sexual health. It’s a great way to break down boundaries and encourage self-love in the bedroom.
Sexual wellness is wellness, period. Regular masturbation can have many physical benefits, but it goes far beyond improving your bodily functions.
When men begin to embrace themselves — and their bodies — in the bedroom, they can unlock the power of personal pleasure for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It’s all about building a healthy relationship with sex, whether having a romp with a partner or exploring your body solo.
Read: How to practice Self-Love?
Why It’s Time To Make Men’s Wellness a Priority
In today’s world, men’s health can become an afterthought. Due to a lack of awareness and continuing societal pressure, many men are hesitant to seek help.
This June, it’s time to stop putting men’s health aside. There’s never been a better time to encourage the men in your life to care for themselves and live their lives to the fullest.
SOURCES:
Ejaculation Frequency and Subsequent Risk of Prostate Cancer. (April 2004). Journal of the American Medical Association.
Tip Sheet: Good Health In Later Life For Older Men. (June 2019). Health in Aging.
10 Incredible Health Benefits to Masturbation. (September 2020). Men’s Health.
Provisional Life Expectancy Estimates for January through June, 2020. (February 2021). CDC.