June Is Men’s Health Month

June 20, 2024 / Get Well

June is Men’s Health Month! With Father’s Day in the rearview mirror, we want to continue spotlighting the men in our NOVA community, encouraging them to be proactive about their health. 

Men’s Health Webinar
Check out a webinar (open to ALL employees) presented by one of our insurance providers, Kaiser Permanente, on Wednesday, June 26, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. As part of the Wednesday Wellbeing series, you’ll learn screening guidelines and ways to reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and the most common cancers among men. Register here.

Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health has unique challenges, including stigma, societal expectations and underutilization of the healthcare system. Click here to access an infographic from Mental Health America for some quick facts about men, mental health and mental illnesses.

Self-Care and Speaking with a Mental Health Professional
Self-care can be instrumental in easing stress, anxiety and depression. Here are some ways to practice self-care in your own daily life:

  • Exercise: Physical activity can significantly reduce anxiety and stress.
    • Try high-intensity interval training (HIIT)! In addition to improving your physical fitness, these quick bursts of intensity can also enhance resilience.
  • Laughter: Finding moments of joy and laughter is a great way to reduce stress. At your next break, take a quick moment to watch a video of your favorite comedian.
  • Get outdoors: Connect and ground yourself with nature. Doing so can help provide clarity and peace of mind.
  • Try something new: Finding a new activity or trying a new food can stimulate your brain. Routine can lead to stagnation. Try switching it up this month!

The Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) also encourages NOVA men to harness the power of talking. Talking to someone trustworthy and knowledgeable can help you see problems more clearly and from a different perspective. Additionally, studies consistently show that simply talking about our problems and sharing our emotions with someone we trust can be profoundly healing. This month, consider utilizing the many mental health resources available to you.

  • TimelyCare is available to all employees. TimelyCare is available 24/7 and puts you in direct contact with assistance.
  • Full-time, benefited employees also have access to an EAP (employee assistance program) through their chosen health plan. EAP is also available 24/7 and has resources to address a variety of concerns.

Both options are confidential. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or 988. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. It is absolutely ok to prioritize your mental health.

"Men’s Mental Health Awareness" in white text over black banner. The background has a black-and-white image of a person with balled-up newspaper pages.

Submitted by: 
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing, employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu