Real Talk for Real Health: What Men Need to Know This June
- Mga tauhan ng Sunshine
- 1 day ago
- 3 minutong pagbabasa
When it comes to health, a lot of men grow up hearing the same message: tough it out. Push through. Deal with it later.
But "later" can be too late.
At Sunshine CHC, we’re using Men’s Health Month to break down the barriers that keep men from showing up for themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally. That includes honest conversations about health risks, regular screenings, and why prevention is powerful.
And to make it personal, we asked some of the men on our team to share their stories.
🧠 Mental Health: The Weight You Can’t See
Mental health is often the most ignored—and most dangerous—piece of the puzzle. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders are all common, but rarely talked about among men.
“Most men feel that if they talk about what could be perceived as a mental health issue, they are weak and haven’t lived up to what they think a man should be able to do,” says Juan, a Behavioral Health Clinician at Sunshine CHC.
This mindset can have serious consequences. Alaska has one of the highest male suicide rates in the country.
We’re here to change that.
Our Behavioral Health team is trained to listen without judgment and support without pressure. Whether it’s a quiet conversation, short-term therapy, or long-term care, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to tough it out.
Blood Pressure, Cholesterol & Heart Health: Don’t Downplay It
Heart disease is the #1 killer of men in Alaska—and many of its early signs go unnoticed because they don’t always “feel serious.”
“Men often downplay concerns—like brushing off high blood pressure as an isolated event,” says Dr. Forman, a primary care provider at Sunshine CHC.“They tend to focus more on the inconvenience or side effects of medication than the long-term risks of ignoring the issue.”
What helps? Annual checkups. Blood pressure and cholesterol screenings are simple, quick, and effective in catching risks early—when they’re easiest to manage.
🧴 Cancer Screenings: A Few Minutes That Could Save Years
Cancers like prostate, testicular, and colorectal are often treatable when caught early—but many men avoid screenings out of fear, embarrassment, or misinformation.
Prostate cancer, for example, affects 1 in 8 men, but when diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%.
Take the awkward step. It might just save your life.
⚖️ Weight Management: Beyond the Scale
Obesity can lead to serious health issues—from diabetes to joint pain to sleep apnea—but it’s also deeply personal.
Kohl, a member of our Facilities Team, shared a moving story about his dad that changed how he thinks about health:
“My dad was around 315 lbs. I never thought twice about his weight growing up. But when I was 14, he was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer. He lost 170 lbs in six months during treatment—it was scary. Since then, I’ve paid a lot more attention to my diet and physical health.I’d say because of him, I’m probably healthier today.”
You don’t have to chase perfection. Start small: swap a soda for water, take a short walk after dinner, cook one meal at home. Your future self will thank you.
👨👧 Who Are You Showing Up For?
Sometimes, the biggest motivator for men's health isn’t fear—it’s love.
“My dad inspires me to take care of my health,” Kohl added.“Watching him fight cancer made me realize how much our choices matter.”
Whether it’s your kids, your partner, your team, or your future—you matter. And taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to show up for them.
🧰 Your Health Is Worth the Time
This month, the first 20 men to complete their annual exam at Sunshine CHC will receive a free tool bag—a reminder that taking care of your health is real work, and it deserves real tools.
Let’s flip the narrative: strength isn’t about staying silent. It’s about showing up.
📞 Call us today at 1-907-376-2273 to schedule your checkup.Start where you are. Prevention can keep you here—for all the milestones yet to come.
Sunshine Community Health Center is here for you—mind, body, and spirit. Let’s build a healthier future, together.
Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (PANGANGALAGA)
*This article was written with the support of AI*