Men’s Health Month Means Progress

By Dr. S. J. Giorgianni, PharmD, CMHE

Vice-President Healthy Men Inc. and Chair-Emeritus American Public Health Association Men’s Health Caucus 

June is Men’s Health Month, it was designated by an Act of Congress and endorsed by then President Bill Clinton.  In 1994, when Men’s Health Month first launched, women outlived men by 6.6 years. By 2026, that gender gap had narrowed to just under five years. This is most welcome news.  All of us who advocate for better health for America’s boys and men are very happy to see this and we hope the trend will continue.  

Now at the quarter-mark of the first part of the 21st Century there is a renewed energy about the health and welfare of American boys and men.  This renewed energy is making a difference in their health and wellness.  There are more community leaders, corporations, clinicians and elected officials who have gotten the message that boys and men are important and making health care more “Guy Friendly” is a core strategic imperative.  This is the mission of Healthy Men Inc.  

Men’s Health Month is celebrated every June across the country and around the world.  Wear Blue For Men Friday, the Friday before Father’s Day (June 12, 2026). Both visible signs of support for boys and men and their health have been an important part of the success in reducing the longevity gap between men and women in America.  They also serve as a focal point for us to review how we, as family members, community members, business leaders and owners and government officials provide resources to help address the real health disparities boys and men have. 

Despite the gains in reducing the overall longevity gap males in America some of the top-line sad facts are that males:

• Still lead in deaths from nine, yes 9, of the ten leading causes of US deaths.
• Suicide rates for males are almost 4-times that of females;
• With about 75% of them never having had a mental health diagnosis;
• Account for 90% of workplace injuries and deaths and; 
• Are less likely to have any health insurance or see a medical provider for preventive care then women

The current drop in the life-span gap is bolstered by the good news that working together we can improve and lengthen the lives of men and boys in our lives, whether they’re dads, fathers, sons, husbands, uncles, boyfriends, friends, or the guy down the street. How? Everyone can do that by encouraging the men and boys in your life to eat right, get exercise, and follow the recommended social distancing protocols (a recent study found that males are less likely than females to comply; that’s not surprising considering their disproportionate predisposition toward risky behavior).