It’s important for men from all backgrounds to not avoid medical care as that can lead to serious health complications in the future. [Courtesy photo]
A lot of men grow up hearing that being “strong” means pushing through pain and keeping quiet about health problems. But that mindset can be dangerous, health experts say. When men skip check‑ups or wait too long to see a doctor, they miss the chance to catch issues early — when they’re most treatable.
That’s why as we celebrate Father’s Day on June 21, it’s important to remind men that taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness. It’s smart, responsible and potentially life‑saving, says Dr. Marlon Farley, a physician with Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles.
“Finding a disease early can be the difference between life and death,” he explained.
The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that 14.2% of U.S. men aged 18 and older reported their health as fair or poor in 2024, an increase from the 13.2% figure reported for 2021.
What holds men back
Men from all backgrounds often avoid medical care — not because they don’t need it, but because they don’t want to appear vulnerable or out of control. Cultural expectations around masculinity can make it hard to ask for help.
But Dr. Farley encourages men to break that pattern. Essential screenings like blood pressure checks, cholesterol and diabetes tests, as well as prostate and colon cancer screenings can prevent serious illness.
He also reminds men that mental health matters just as much as physical health. Many men minimize emotional struggles, but untreated mental health issues can lead to substance misuse, self‑harm and other serious consequences.
“Mental health should be treated like any other medical problem,” Dr. Farley says. “There’s no shame in getting help.”
According to Dr. Farley, the following tips can help men with maintain good health:
Manage stress proactively: Stress contributes to many health problems, including a weakened immune system, heart disease and diabetes. It can affect men in different ways, and conversations about it are often most effective when they focus on practical solutions.
Schedule regular checkups: Men should see a doctor for preventive care based on their age, health history, risk factors and physician recommendations. Those with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses should see a doctor more often, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
Get a good night’s sleep: Consistent sleep supports everything from energy levels and metabolism to overall health. One of the simplest ways to improve sleep is to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, helping regulate the body’s internal clock.
Partner up on fitness: Exercising with a friend or loved one can help men stay motivated and maintain healthy habits. ” We don’t need special equipment or gym membership; all we need is 15 to 20 minutes at home using body weight and getting help from our already existing smart phones, tablets and TVs,” Dr. Farley said. “Find workouts online on different free platforms or affordable subscriptions sites or apps. All that matters is to get some movement done consistently!”
Limit processed foods: Processed foods are foods that have been modified from their natural state. Examples include chips, deli meat and soda. Consuming too much processed foods can increase the risk of health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. For better health outcomes, focus on a diet of minimally processed foods.
Don’t ignore symptoms: If someone is experiencing symptoms or has concerns about their health, encourage them to see a doctor or offer to go with them. Early evaluation can help identify potential problems before they become more serious.
“Small, consistent steps can make a meaningful difference,” said Dr. Farley. “Whether it’s encouraging a medical checkup, supporting or joining healthy routines, or helping someone seek care, that support can go a long way in improving long-term health outcomes.”
Kaiser Permanente offers valuable information about men’s unique health needs.
