After a sea of pink on Wednesdays, get ready for Blue at NCH! We are excited to take a day each week this month to bring awareness to Men’s Health Month. That means you will see our staff wearing BLUE on Wednesdays, why? Because men’s health matters and sometimes little reminders or seeing a group of like-minded people working together to bring awareness to the health of our community, can help us all be more proactive and engaged in living our healthiest lives now!

Men’s Health Month is observed every June, and while this may seem like a very binary awareness agenda, it promotes the health issues affecting all individuals with male reproductive systems and encourages proactive healthcare behaviors and lifestyles. This includes regular check-ups, screenings, and healthy routine choices to prevent disease and improve overall well-being. In short, Men’s Health Month applies to all individuals with male reproductive systems, including cisgender men, transgender men, and non-binary individuals assigned male at birth. It’s crucial for these individuals to prioritize their health due to increased risks of certain conditions and the importance of early detection and prevention. Genders aside, all people should prioritize their health screenings, as each person does have certain things about their bodies that may have a greater need for monitoring or support.

With data taken from the (1) Vermont Department of Health (VDH) 2020 Behavioral Risk Survey and the (2) North Country Hospital (NCH) Community Health Needs Assessment in 2020 and 2024, we have consistent data showing concern for the health of men in Vermont. There are trends to show that men are needing to prioritize areas of mental health, exercise, nutrition, and screenings. According to VDH,  in 2020, men were less likely to report having a mental health day in the past month, which may indicate that men are less likely to acknowledge or report mental health issues. The Community Health Needs Assessment in 2020 highlighted that nearly 1 in 5 men (18.4%) reported feeling sad or hopeless for 2 or more weeks in the past year. This suggests that men in Vermont may be struggling with mental health concerns that are not being adequately addressed. In addition, all three reports showed consistency in a lack of exercise, nutrition and screenings in our men.

Here’s our easy suggested approach to MENS Health month for this year! This = M-E-N-S

M – Mental Health! We know men often underreport mental health struggles and are less likely to seek support, leading to higher incidence of illness and increased loss of life. Addressing the stigma and promoting access to mental health services is crucial. Men, mental health is for everyone. 2-1-1 is a great resource for learning about resources, 9-8-8 is a resource for immediate mental health concerns, and the Front Porch Mobile unit can come to those who need support onsite and can be reached at 1-800-649-00118.

E – Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for men’s health, helping to manage weight, reduce chronic disease risk, and boost mental well-being. Everyone should be aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise a week, however, this is in addition to regular activity. If you have a physical job, that’s not considered exercise in the fitness realm. Focused physical activity is with the sole intention of moving your body in addition to everyday tasks.

N – Nutrition: Proper nutrition is vital for preventing obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. This means eating  fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods and sugary drinks daily. Our bodies need nutrients every day to work and feel their best. Yes, every day!

S – Screenings: Preventive screenings are crucial for early detection and treatment of various health issues. Men should schedule annual physicals and age-appropriate screenings, such as prostate exams, blood pressure checks, and cancer screenings. Our bodies can do a lot of amazing and interesting things, so let your healthcare professionals be the ones to monitor your health best! Schedule those screenings!

From dads to brothers, uncles to cousins, or even neighbors to coworkers, we all know some men who have helped shaped us. Support and encourage them anytime they make positive strides in their mental and physical health and well-being. At North Country Hospital we are raising awareness and supporting this cause by wearing blue each Wednesday in June as a reminder that Men’s Health Matters!

  • Vermont Department of Health. (2020). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). [https://www.healthvermont.gov/stats/population-health-surveys-data/behavioral-risk-factor-surveillance-system-brfss]

 

  • North Country Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment (2024 & 2020). North Country Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment Report 2024 and 2020. [https://northcountryhospital.org/wp-content/uploads/North-Country-Hospital-Community-Health-Needs-Assessment-2024.pdf]