Men’s Health Week

Men’s Health Week, June 11-17, is an opportunity to build awareness about the importance of physical health and well-being among Canadian men, and to encourage men to take action to improve their overall health.

Canadians are some of the healthiest people in the world; however, we know that many Canadian men are not as healthy as they could be: 29% are obese; 82% do not meet physical activity guidelines; 76% don’t eat healthy food; and 35% don’t get enough sleep.

Small actions can have a significant impact in preventing many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. A lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity and adequate sleep as well as limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking, can have an enormous positive and long-term impact on men’s health.

Building awareness includes providing men with the tools and resources needed to make lifestyle changes that can improve their health. That is why the Government of Canada continues to invest in innovative partnerships like the one with the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation on the Don’t Change Much initiative. This engaging, online resource includes practical tips and tools that can help men to make lifestyle changes to improve their long-term physical and mental health.

This Men’s Health Week, I encourage friends, families and colleagues across Canada to raise awareness of men’s health and to take the first step in making those small changes that can make a big difference to the health and well-being of men in Canada.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health