Celebrating Father’s Day and Men’s Health in June
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June is the time of year for celebrating men’s health and Father’s Day. Summer yard work and time spent in the sun can be more enjoyable if men take a few steps toward a healthy lifestyle.
The Florida Department of Health in Putnam County (DOH-Putnam) promotes men’s health and offers tips for improving health.
A Cleveland Clinic survey on the current state of men’s health revealed that 85% of men in Florida said they believe they are leading a healthy lifestyle. However, the survey results show the habits and behaviors of many men tell a different story.
Fueling Smart
Only half of men said they keep a healthy diet. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, restrictive, or overwhelming. It starts with simple swaps and a focus on fiber-dense foods. You don’t need to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Small changes made consistently add up. Try adding berries to breakfast or tossing extra veggies into meals are easy ways to boost nutrition.
Keep Moving
Half of Florida’s men declare spending one to two hours a day on social platforms, and 17% say they scroll through social media for more than five hours daily. On average, about 1/3 of men living in Florida watch TV for more than five hours a day. You don’t need fancy equipment or fitness experience to build a daily movement habit. You just need to move on purpose, every day. Daily movement isn’t about intense workouts or perfect routines. It’s about reminding your body that it was designed to move. A short walk, gentle stretching, dancing in your kitchen, taking the stairs, or even a few minutes of mobility during your morning routine all count.
Mind and Rest
More than 40% of Florida men do not take care of their mental health, and 83% have experienced stress in the last six months. Caring for your mind and getting enough rest are essential parts of overall health. Managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and staying hydrated all work together to support focus, mood, energy, and resilience. Taking time to slow down, practice deep breathing, or step away from screens can help reduce daily stress and give your mind a chance to reset.
Cancer Concerns
Only about half of men in Florida have been screened for common cancers, including prostate and skin cancer.
Prostate cancer screening is the most common among Florida men, with 57% having had a screening. This is followed by colorectal cancer screenings (47%), skin cancer (48%), testicular cancer (43%), and bladder cancer (38%). On average, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer — a slow-growing disease that typically appears later in life. It’s recommended that prostate cancer screenings (such as a prostate-specific antigen or PSA test) begin by age 55. Early detection of prostate cancer improves the chances of a positive outcome.
While most Florida residents check their skin for cancer, they rarely use sunscreen on a daily basis. 2/3 (68%) of men in Florida have performed skin self-examination. However, 80% do not use sunscreen on a daily basis.
There’s a significant difference in sunscreen use between men and women. In every age group, men are less likely than women to apply products protecting their skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Changes to your skin (such as a new or larger mole) may signal skin cancer, so talk to a health care provider if you notice anything different. A full-body skin exam done by a dermatologist also is recommended to search for suspicious spots. Your chance for a full recovery is extremely high if skin cancer is found and removed early.
By taking a few steps now, men can enjoy higher quality lives and healthier futures. Better diet, more movement, caring for your mind, and regular health screenings are steps toward a healthier you.