National Men’s Health Week

If your dad, husband, brother or son is like most men, he doesn’t take care of his health so well. Sure, he may jog or work out a few times a month, and maybe, just maybe he eats well—but for some reason, men especially don’t visit their doctors on a regular basis. 7% of these men say it’s because they’ll find out some bad news—which is exactly why it’s so important to go in the first place!

The good news is that 85% of men do go to their doctors—but only when they are sick. So let’s pump up Dad, Hubby, Bro and the rest of the male gang into making preventative care a priority this year. Men’s Health Week, the second full week of June, takes place June 15-21 this year—just in time for Father’s Day! Here are some ways to help the men in your life get into their own health and well-being.

Pay the price. Instead of getting Dad some fish bait or a tie this year, pay for his co-pay to show how much you care! If Dad’s laid off or without insurance, help by paying the bill if you can.

Schedule the appointment. Then tell him you’ve got a surprise and boom—his exam! Make it up to him afterward with something fun, like a trip to the races or a ballgame.

Exercise with your guy. If he’s reluctant to take care of his ticker, offer to go running, play tennis, or hike with him. Get yourselves gym memberships if you can and make a weekly date to go exercise together.

Get him a subscription to a men’s health magazine. If he sees other guys going for fitness and health, maybe he will, too. Plus, there may be some great tips and ideas for him to use in his own workout or diet.

Download a free copy of the Blueprint for Men’s Health. This resource may help him feel better prepared when it comes to the doctor and taking charge of his own wellness.

Tell you man that better health means better sex. It’s the truth, and what guy wouldn’t want that?

Make a deal. Tell him that if he eats healthy for three days, you’ll take him out for buffalo wings on the fourth.

Most of all, be supportive. Nobody likes to be ridiculed for fearing anything, even going to the doctor. Baby steps are still steps in the right direction!