June 9 - 15, 2014
As Minister of Health, I am proud to draw attention to the inaugural Canadian Men’s Health Week, commencing on June 9th.
Men are more likely than women to die of heart disease, cancer, and complications from diabetes. Additionally, the suicide rate for men is three times higher than the rate for women, with every four of five suicides being male.
Many of these health issues are preventable, particularly if we, as a society, create the supportive environments that empower men to be healthier, both physically and mentally. In many cases, attitudes, behaviours, motivations, and lifestyles can help eliminate barriers to men’s health and wellness.
We need to renew our focus on improving the health of boys and men and we need to talk more about men’s health.
This is why the Government of Canada invests approximately $20 million annually in partnership projects that address the risk factors that are harmful to Canadians’ health, such as unhealthy eating, physical inactivity, and smoking. These investments align directly with efforts to combat childhood obesity and help boys and young men maintain a healthy lifestyle.
We also recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. By working to build esteem, coping skills and healthy relationships, we can help improve mental health, reduce mental and physical illnesses, and stop abuse and violence.
The health issues that men face are challenging and complex. We need to address these issues together, through partnerships and collaboration so we can share our approaches, best practices, identify research gaps, and better integrate our efforts to improve men’s health nationwide.
This week, I encourage all men to take stock of their own physical and mental health and to lead by example — be a positive role model for your children, your families, and your friends. Together, we can, and must, challenge the attitudes that have fostered a silence on men’s health issues.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health Canada
