June is Men’s Health Awareness Month: prioritizing prevention and early detection

(3 minute read)

June marks Men’s Health Awareness month, a critical time to spotlight the unique health challenges men face and to encourage early detection, regular checkups, and open conversations about both physical and mental health.

Men are often less likely to seek out medical care or talk openly about their health concerns, which can lead to serious, preventable conditions going undiagnosed. This month is about changing that narrative - reminding the men in our lives that taking care of their health is not just important, it’s essential.

From heart disease and prostate cancer to mental health and diabetes, early screenings and proactive health choices can save lives. Awareness and action empower men to take charge of their well-being, leading to healthier futures for themselves and their loved ones.

Men’s health screening checklist

Men’s Health Awareness Month is a great reminder to schedule important screenings and exams. The following checklist highlights recommended health screenings for men:

  • Skin check

  • Eye disease screening

  • Coronary screening

  • Type II Diabetes screening

  • Osteoporosis screening

  • Testicular self-exam (monthly)

  • Physical (yearly)

  • Blood sugar & cholesterol testing

  • Colonoscopy

  • Prostate exam (yearly)

  • EKG test (as needed)

Regular checking in with health care providers and staying on top of this checklist can lead to early detection of potential health issues, which dramatically improves treatment outcomes.

A call to action

Let’s support the men in our lives - whether they are family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors - in making their health a priority. Encourage the men around you to:

  • Schedule annual physicals

  • Talk to their doctor about age-appropriate screenings

  • Open up about mental health struggles without stigma

Men’s Health Awareness Month is more than a calendar observance - it’s a movement toward normalizing care, connection, and proactive living. Remember: strong men start with smart choices.

For more health resources and local support services, visit the Town of Reading’s public health website.

Flyer by the Town of Reading.

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