Men's Health Week

June 10-16, 2019

This week is Men's Health Week - an excellent opportunity to reflect on and raise awareness about the importance of the health and well-being of Canadian men.

Unfortunately, many Canadian men are not achieving their optimal health. In fact, they live an average of four years less than Canadian women, and are more likely to be overweight or obese.

Small lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, regular physical activity and getting an adequate amount of sleep, can make a big difference and help lower the risk of developing many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.

Making positive changes to your health and lifestyle is easier with the right tools and resources. That is why the Government of Canada continues to invest in a range of programs and initiatives to support people across Canada to improve their health, including children and youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, new Canadians and men. For example, the Canadian Men's Health Foundation's Don't Change Much initiative is supporting and encouraging men to lead and live healthier lives. The initiative provides engaging, online resources and tips to help men make small and important lifestyle changes that will benefit their overall health.

In addition, earlier this year, we announced up to $2.5 million to support Western University's Hockey Fans in Training (FIT) program in an effort to help Canadian men move more and eat healthier on a regular basis. This unique program helps overweight and obese men, aged 35 to 65, to turn their passion for hockey into a path to a healthier lifestyle.

This Men's Health Week, I encourage you to raise awareness of the importance of men's health, and I ask men across Canada to take the necessary steps to achieve their optimal health and well-being. By making small lifestyle changes where they live, work and play, Canadian men can become healthier and live longer.

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