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June 2026: Men's Health Month
Research consistently shows that men, on average, are less likely than women to seek preventive healthcare and are more likely than women to delay medical care. Given that over 90% of construction workers are male, the Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) recognizes International Men's Health Month, and the importance of promoting men's health and reducing barriers to seeking physical and mental healthcare. Keep reading to learn more.
Relevant Facts and Figures:
- Construction workers are more likely to engage in several behaviors that are considered high health risk (such as smoking, smokeless tobacco use, binge drinking, low leisure-time, physical activity, and inconsistent seatbelt use).
- More than half of men do not get regular health screenings or engage in preventive care.
- Men are more likely than women to drink excessively, and to have higher rates of alcohol related hospitalizations.
- Men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, and to have higher rates of illicit drug related hospitalizations and overdose deaths.
- Men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
- Men living with a mental health condition are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women living with a mental health condition.
- Nearly 1 in 10 men experience some form of depression or anxiety, but less than half seek treatment.
- Men have higher mortality and morbidity rates of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.
- Loneliness - a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidality, and self-harm - appears to be more common in men than women.
What You Can Do:
- Address stigma and treatment avoidance (studies show that males who avoid or underutilize health care services, including mental health and substance use treatment services, may do so because there is a false perception that such services undermine masculinity).
- Recognize signs and symptoms by getting screened (for physical health conditions and behavioral health conditions).
- Choose a primary care doctor if you do not already have one.
- Engage in preventive care by getting regular check-ups.
- Manage chronic pain with a medical professional. Discuss non-opioid pain management options to treat musculoskeletal injuries and disorders with your doctor.
- Know that help is available. Call MAP (1-833-MAP-TALK) for mental health and substance use related health matters, as well as guidance for locating a primary care doctor or medical specialist to address physical health issues.
Additional Information/Resources:
If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.
