June 15- 21, 2015
June 15 to 21 marks the second annual Canadian Men’s Health Week – a good time for men to take stock and commit to living healthier and stronger lives.
Health and wellness - both physical and mental - is a critical issue for men. Men are more likely than women to die of heart disease, cancer, and complications from diabetes. Men have higher rates of death by suicide, approximately three to four times higher than the rate for women. In 2011, nearly 2,800 of the reported 3,700 deaths by suicide were men and boys.
Many of the health issues and chronic diseases that affect men are preventable through regular physical activity and healthy eating as part of a healthy lifestyle. The Government of Canada, through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s multi-sectoral partnership approach, invests approximately $20 million every year in projects that address common risk factors for chronic disease, such as unhealthy eating, physical inactivity, and smoking. These investments align directly with efforts that help boys and young men maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Government of Canada also recognizes that mental health is just as important as physical health. That is why Budget 2015 announced the Government’s intention to renew the mandate of the Mental Health Commission of Canada for another 10 years, beginning in 2017-18. This will allow the Commission to continue its important work to promote mental health in Canada and foster change in the delivery of mental health services, including suicide prevention.
The health issues that men face are challenging and complex. These issues are best addressed when all sectors of society, including communities, academia and the not-for-profit and private sectors, work together. It is through partnership and collaboration that we can leverage knowledge, expertise, reach and resources to achieve the best health outcomes for boys and men across Canada.
This week, I encourage all men to assess their physical and mental health and to take the necessary steps to foster their health and well-being. Make your health your priority. And lead the way for your partners, your families, your children and your communities. Together we can continue to work to improve the health of men and boys.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
