As Father’s Day approaches this Sunday, it’s important for families to encourage the men in their lives to take better care of their health before serious complications occur that can result in significant complications.
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 themselves is not a sign of weakness. It’s smart, responsible and potentially life‑saving, said Dr. Jorge R. Mercado, a family medicine specialist with Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Service Area.
“Finding a disease early can be the difference between life and death,” he explained.
The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show 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 Mercado 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,” Mercado said. “There’s no shame in getting help.”
According to Mercado, the following tips can help men 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,” Mercado said. “Find workouts online on different free platforms or affordable subscription sites or apps. All that matters is to get some movement done consistently!”
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 Mercado. “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.”
More information on men’s health can be found at https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.mens-health.center1027.