Men can add years to their life by taking their health more seriously. That starts with destigmatizing mental health and staying on top of doctor's visits. 

Close-up of a couple holding hands together while sitting on a couch during a therapy

Male Mortality: Why Men Die Earlier Than Women

Ken Hayward is living proof that regularly seeing a doctor and staying on top of screening tests can save lives. Hayward, vice president and special assistant to the president for Community Relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, went through a health scare with prostate cancer eight years ago. Ever since, he’s made a point to share a message of awareness on personal health advocacy.

'You Advocate for Your Own Health:' How Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Saves Lives

As men age, they have to be more careful about what they put into their bodies and more cognizant about doctor's visits and their own health history.

5 Health Tips for Men Over 30

How we talk about physical selves – our internal voice and monologue – is our body image. Body image can be positive or negative. For many individuals, negative body image is a struggle – and it can bring mental and physical health risks.

How Body Image Impacts Mental Health

Cases of throat cancer are on the rise among men – and the cause is human papilloma virus (HPV).

HPV’s Connection to Throat Cancer in Men

On average, men should begin receiving yearly prostate exams at age 50. Depending on risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer, some men should screen earlier.  

A man speaks with a female doctor during an appointment.

When Men Need to Start Prostate Cancer Screening 

Over time, excessive use of alcohol can interfere with men’s health by increasing their risk of health issues, including cancer, chronic conditions, weakened immune systems and reproductive health problems. 

Excessive Alcohol Use Among Men Puts Their Long-Term Health at Risk

Physical activity was a huge part of Doug Wright's life before rheumatoid arthritis scarred his lungs. Since undergoing a double lung transplant, he's back to his active ways. 

Doug Wright participates in the Fight For Air Climb at Comerica Park.

Battle Creek Double Lung Transplant Recipient Credits Exercise for Return to Normalcy

Eric Hipple, a behavioral health advocate and former quarterback for the Detroit Lions, discusses depression, suicide prevention and his book, “Real Men Do Cry.”

Eric Hipple Discusses Suicide Prevention

When Southfield, Michigan resident Michael Love woke up from his first double lung transplant in 2015, the first thing he did was reach for his nasal cannula, a tube used to deliver supplemental oxygen. As Love slowly realized he was breathing on his own for the first time in a long time, he broke down in tears....

Michael Love is healthier than he's been in years after two double lung transplants. Now he educates others and spreads organ donation awareness.

“I Had Another Chance:” Michigan Transplant Recipient Spreads Minority Donor Awareness 

As men become fathers, they are at risk for mental distress and depression due to the stress of the transition to new roles and schedules.

Pregnant woman sorts baby clothes with the father to be

Transition to Fatherhood Carries Risk of Depression

Men tend to delay preventive care, and when they do see a doctor, they are not always honest about how they feel both physically and mentally.

Man plays tennis staying healthy at every age

Men’s Health at Every Age

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in both the United States and Michigan and the sixth leading cause of death in Detroit....

MenD I set out to educate and empower Black men in Washtenaw County on the importance of utilizing diabetes self-management, early care, screenings, prevention, and the support systems available to them.

New University of Michigan Project Addresses Diabetes in Black Men With BCBSM Foundation Grant Funding   

As men age, how often they need to see a doctor changes. Here’s a decade-by-decade guide to which physicians you should visit at each stage of your life.

Photo of a female mature doctor with a protective face mask taking anamnesis from her mature patient

Men’s Health Needs, Decade by Decade

Many men have grown up with messages like “toughen up,” “walk it off,” or “be a man” when faced with an emotional or physical problem.

Group Of Male Sports Fans Tailgating In Stadium Car Park

Cultural Stereotypes for Men Contribute to Health Risks

Free health and wellness screening, tests and vaccines will be available to men age 18 years old and older at the Men’s Health Event Oct. 9 at Ford Field.

A nurse draws blood from a middle age man at the Men's Health Event

Men’s Health Event Brings Free Health Screenings, Tests and Vaccines to Ford Field  

Men are twice as likely than women to die from an unintentional injury, which is the third leading cause of death for men, behind heart disease and cancer.

Why Men are at a Higher Risk for Unintentional Injury and Death 

If you or someone you love are struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Lifeline at 800-273-8255. An estimated 6 million men are affected by depression in the United States each year. For many, this is a deadly disease....

Is Stigma Affecting Men's Mental Health?

As musician Al-Qaddir Bettis tackled anxiety over performing on stage, he realized there was more from his past affecting his mental health.

"No One Knew, Because I Always Put on A Smile & Played a Song"

Licensed professional counselor David Morgan breaks down the stigmas men face as they consider seeking help for their mental health.

Ask a Therapist: Why Are Men Hesitant to Seek Help for their Mental Health?  

Men tend to be at higher risk for heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, severe mental health outcomes and other health conditions....

Exploring Men’s Health Disparities

When we talk about cancer, words that conjure up a battlefield or brawl are often used. “I’m going to fight this.” “Let’s eradicate it.” “I want it destroyed.”...

Research Aims to Improve Care for Men Facing Prostate Cancer

This year, more than 174,000 men in the U. S. are expected to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. Besides skin cancer, it’s the most common type of cancer in American men....

How Michigan Urologists are Leading on Prostate Cancer Care

This year in Michigan alone, 5,400 new cases of prostate cancer are anticipated to be diagnosed and 940 men are expected to die of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society....

Male African-American patient shaking hands with his doctor.

Black Men: What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer

Just as there are doctors who specialize in women’s health, such as gynecologists, there are also doctors who help men stay on top of their health. Here are the ones you should know about and visit:

Primary Care Physician: It is essential to find a primary care physician (PCP) with whom you can communicate well....

Men’s Health Month: The Doctors and Specialists Who Keep You Healthy

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MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

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