In Texas, Lesley Jimenez, Statewide Wellness Coordinator at the Texas Department of State Health Services, emphasized that annual physicals can unearth health conditions before they become serious. “As we age, the risk increases for common conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes — all of which can be prevented or managed with appropriate care and early detection,” she said. Data from the CDC underscores her concern: men are less likely to see a physician yet face higher incidence rates for heart disease, diabetes, and suicide.
Nationwide, healthcare providers are reinforcing this message. CHRISTUS Health in Tyler, Texas, reports that men aged 15–65 are significantly less likely to seek preventive care or have a designated primary care provider. Dr. Brian Kingston, a family physician, shared that he had a melanoma he dismissed as benign for four years—a delay, he noted, that could have proven fatal. He strongly urges men to seize routine screenings: “Certain health issues like colon cancer and high cholesterol are generally very treatable if you catch it early”.
What Screenings to Prioritize
Doctors recommend that men don’t wait until something feels wrong to see a doctor. A number of age-appropriate screenings can help detect problems well in advance:
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Annual physical exam (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, vitals): once a year.
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Cholesterol: typically every 4–6 years, but more frequently if there’s heart disease risk.
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Blood pressure: every 3–5 years until 40, then annually.
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Diabetes: starting at age 45, every three years.
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Colorectal cancer: colonoscopy from age 45 every 10 years.
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Prostate cancer: discussion of PSA screening beginning around age 55.
A common preventive approach is summarized in a “5‑checkup” guide: men are encouraged to schedule physicals, blood panels, prostate checks, mental health screenings, and lifestyle assessments during this period.
Mental Health: A Growing Concern
This year’s campaign also places special emphasis on mental well-being. For many men, social stigma prevents acknowledgment of stress, anxiety, and depression. The men’s health advocacy group stresses that talking about mental health is not a weakness but a necessary act of courage . Statistics back up their point: men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and depression among men is frequently overlooked .
During Men’s Health Week (June 9–15), daily themes—from mental health to family support and workplace wellness—are designed to address different aspects of male health. Thursday’s focus on family support and Friday’s “Wear BLUE Day” serve as engagement efforts in various environments, from offices to community centers.
Community Outreach & Workplace Initiatives
Across the U.S., clinics and community organizations are offering free screenings, panels, and mental health resources. Health fairs and mobile clinics offer blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate, and diabetes checks along with counseling. In Southeast Texas, for instance, the “Gift of Life” initiative launched free screening events on June 7, offering over $500 worth of medical services—including prostate assessments, blood labs, and consultations—along with education and encouragement: “real men get checked”.
Workplace efforts often include public campaigns and peer encouragement. “Blue Ribbon Fridays” invite employees to wear blue and prompt screening reminders. The Men’s Health Network offers toolkits and promotional materials to support these efforts at work, church, or social groups.
Why This Matters
Men continue to face disparities in life expectancy and health outcomes. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among U.S. men, and conditions like melanoma, gout, kidney stones, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer disproportionately affect them. Early detection remains the best defense against serious illness.
Mental health, too, demands attention: men’s reluctance to seek help contributes to silent suffering and a steeper risk of suicide. Campaigns like “Man Therapy”—using humor and digital tools—are cutting through stigma to encourage men to view mental health care with the same seriousness as physical health.
A Call to Action
Men’s Health Month is a powerful reminder that prevention saves lives. Annual checkups, age-appropriate screenings, lifestyle assessments, and mental health conversations together form a holistic approach. Whether through clinic outreach, workplace campaigns, or a simple appointment with a physician, the message is clear: take action now to protect your health—and the future you could enjoy with loved ones.
As Fathers’ Day approaches, doctors and advocates hope that gift-givers consider the real gift: encouraging the men in their lives to book those annual checkups.