Dear Men, Take Charge of Your Health Because It's Men's Health Week!

Highlights:

International Men's Health Week aims to remind men to prioritize their health and raise awareness about male health issues
It originated from bills sponsored by Senator Bob Dole and Congressman Bill Richardson in 1994, emphasizing the prevention and early detection of diseases among men and boys
The focus of Men's Health Week 2023 is on the impact of the internet and technology on men's health, including potential addictions and the need for balancing technology use. Discussions, events, and resources are available to promote mental well-being and address specific challenges

Are you one of those men who forgot to put their health as a priority? If yes, then it is exactly why we celebrate International Men’s Health Week to remind you, that your health matters.

It is an annual event during the week that ends on Father's Day. This choice of timing capitalizes on the increased attention given to male family members during that holiday. The week serves as an opportunity to educate the public on ways to improve men's health and offers free and convenient health services to those who may not otherwise receive care. The response has been tremendous, with thousands of awareness activities taking place across the USA and around the world.

‘This Men’s Health Week, let's shed some light on the impact of the internet on men's well-being. #Men’sHealthWeek’

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History: International Men’s Health Week

International Men's Health Week (IMHW) was established during the 2nd World Congress on Men's Health in Vienna, Austria in 2002. This global initiative, led by Men's Health Network and six prominent men's health organizations, aims to raise awareness about male health issues worldwide. The goal is to encourage national and international institutions to develop policies and services tailored to the specific needs of men, boys, and their families ().

Origin Of International Men’s Health Week

In 1994, former Senator Bob Dole and former Congressman Bill Richardson introduced legislation that established Men's Health Week. These bills were created to raise awareness about preventable health problems and promote early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys. The sponsors highlighted the cost-effectiveness of shifting the healthcare focus from treatment to prevention. They also emphasized the need for public awareness to prevent male-related illnesses, which included organizing nationwide events and screenings.

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The Gaining Popularity of International Men’s Health Week

In the USA, Men's Health Week has gained widespread support from governors, Native American leaders, mayors of major cities, and territories. Proclamations from these entities are displayed on the Men's Health Week website. The week features various activities such as educational lectures by sports figures, free health screenings, health fairs, and seminars. Efforts are made to ensure that these events are easily accessible to men with busy work schedules.

While Men's Health Month is not officially recognized by Congress, men's health campaigners observe it throughout June. The International Men's Health Week (IMHW) webpage is hosted by Men's Health Network, while some participating countries have their own country-specific pages, and others have a minimal online presence. It's worth noting that some countries or regions may celebrate Men's Health Week and Men's Health Month at different times of the year.

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Theme for International Men’s Health Week: Impact of The Internet and Technology on Men's Health

For Men's Health Week 2023, the focus is on the impact of the internet and technology on men's health. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous and accessible, especially for younger generations, the implications for men's well-being need examination. While there are advantages to accessing health information and services online, there are also potential downsides. The theme aims to explore these aspects, including the emergence of internet-fueled addictions.

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The smartphone, often seen as a dopamine-delivery device, constantly provides access to apps and activities that stimulate pleasure and reward centers in the brain. This can lead to addiction and have negative consequences on various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, and finances. Men's Health Week seeks to gather opinions and suggestions on this topic and invites individuals to participate in the discussions and events.

Balancing Technology Use: The ‘CAN DO’ Challenge

The message to men emphasizes the importance of balancing technology use and taking screen breaks. The ‘CAN DO’ challenge, outlined in the free CAN DO Manual, promotes mental well-being. Social media shares and posters are available to support the campaign. For a comprehensive mental health check, the Man MOT For The Mind manual is recommended. Additional resources address specific male-related addictions, such as gambling and pornography.

The message to partners encourages discussions on the impact of smartphones and the internet on health within workplaces and organizations. The Toolbox Talk resource can facilitate these conversations. Social media shares and posters are provided to promote the campaign. Workplace colleagues are encouraged to utilize the free SWAP (Stress at Work Action Plan) manual. For further support, the Man MOT For The Mind manual, along with other resources addressing mental health challenges, can be considered.

Overall, Men's Health Week 2023 aims to shed light on the relationship between men's health and the internet, inviting individuals and organizations to participate, share resources, and raise awareness about the potential risks and benefits associated with technology use.

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