Men’s Health Is Community Health—And It Starts With Self-Care

Dr. Echols shares insights on the importance of Men taking charge of their self care.

As a Black man, public health professional, and physician, I’ve seen firsthand how often men put their health last. We ignore pain, skip doctor visits, and push through warning signs that our bodies are trying to send us. But ignoring our health has real consequences, not just for us, but for our families and communities.

The Cost of Neglecting Your Health
We face higher risks for chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and obesity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). These aren’t just numbers—they’re the lived experiences of our brothers, fathers, sons, and friends. And far too often, they’re preventable.

Across the U.S., men live on average five years less than women and are more likely to die from many of the leading causes of death (CDC, 2022). For Black men, life expectancy is even lower, driven in part by systemic barriers to care, chronic stress, and the lasting effects of racism (Williams & Mohammed, 2013). We also wait too long to get help, especially when it comes to our mental health. We can change this.

Why Men’s Health Matters for Everyone

When men take care of themselves, the benefits ripple out. Healthy men are more engaged partners, fathers, workers, and leaders. When men stay well, families are stronger and communities thrive.

Too often, conversations about health focus only on treatment. But what we need is prevention. We need to shift our mindset from surviving to thriving. And that starts with self-care, not selfishness, but responsibility.

A Simple Guide to Self-Care for Men

You don’t need a full lifestyle makeover to start improving your health. Small, steady steps make a big difference. Here’s how:

See a Doctor at Least Once a Year – Don’t wait until you feel something is wrong. Regular Checkups help catch issues early, when they’re easier to manage.

Know Your Numbers – Keep track of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight. These are key indicators for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Move Daily – Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days. Walking, lifting, dancing, playing with your kids—it all counts.

Eat Better – Add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut down on processed foods and sugary drinks.

Care for Your Mind – Talk about stress. Therapy is strength, not weakness. Chronic stress and depression are common but treatable.

Get Enough Sleep – Rest is repair. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep increases the risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Be an Example – Your habits have a significant influence on your family and friends. Show what it means to take care of yourself.

Stay Connected – Don’t isolate yourself. Build and maintain supportive relationships. Friends, family, and support groups make a difference. Community is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health.

Changing the Culture

Too many of us were taught that “toughing it out” makes us strong. Vulnerability was seen as weakness. But real strength is about being proactive. Real strength is showing up for yourself, your family, and your community.

We also need health systems that meet men where they are, clinics that offer evening hours, providers who understand our lived experiences, and outreach that’s built on trust. It means public and private institutions investing in male-focused wellness campaigns, not just in June for Men’s Health Month, but year-round.

Your Health Is Your Legacy

Taking care of your health is not just about you; it’s about those around you. It’s about who you want to be for your family, your community, and your future. It’s about leaving a legacy of strength, presence, and purpose.

Let’s shift the narrative. Let’s make self-care normal, expected, and celebrated among men. Because when we thrive, families thrive, and so do communities.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Men’s health. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/mens-health/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Health disparities. https://www.cdc.gov/

Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2013). Racism and health I: Pathways and scientific evidence. American Behavioral Scientist, 57(8), 1152–1173.

Dr. Frederick Echols, MD, is available as a subject matter expert on public health for press interviews and speaking engagements.

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About Dr. Fredrick Echols, MD

Dr. Fredrick L. Echols, MD is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Population Health and Social Justice Consulting, LLC, an Obama Foundation Global Leader, sought-after public speaker, black men’s health advocate, and accomplished physician with over 15 years of experience in public health. He has worked extensively with public and private sectors to address complex health issues through evidence-informed approaches. Dr. Echols is a graduate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Population Health Training in Place program and the ASTHO-Morehouse School of Medicine’s Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health program.

Passionate about health and justice, Dr . Echols’ notable roles include serving as Chief Executive Officer for Cure Violence Global, Health Commissioner for the City of St. Louis, and Director of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. In these roles, he oversaw public health regulations, led COVID-19 response efforts, managed daily operations, and developed strategic partnerships. Dr. Echols also served as Chief of Communicable Diseases for the Illinois Department of Public Health and as a physician in the U.S. Navy. He continues to contribute to public health research and guides health organizations globally.