The recent observance of Mother’s Day is a good opportunity to give thanks for the care that mothers and other women in our lives have provided, the ways they have contributed to our well being, and the lessons they have taught us about taking care of ourselves.  Women often take the lead in demonstrating and encouraging healthy behaviors in their families and in social groups, and this leadership has important impacts on the lives of men.  When this leadership is directed toward children and young adults, it might take the form of teaching good hygiene, encouraging preventive health care, and demonstrating the value of a balanced diet. The leadership role of women, as mothers, wives, sisters and friends, continues as their male counterparts age with them and often need a loving push to get started on an exercise regimen or get a crucial screening at their doctor’s office.
The Men’s Health Network has long acknowledged the important role that women play in encouraging their male family members and friends to improve their health.  For this reason, MHN offers a variety of resources targeted to women so that they can better understand and respond to men’s health issues. These can be found on the MHN website at http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/women.htm. Women who have been touched by prostate cancer will find support, community, and ways to respond at Women Against Prostate Cancer (http://www.womenagainstprostatecancer.org/).
We are profoundly grateful for the support that so many women have provided to MHN’s initiatives on behalf of men throughout the country. We also want to acknowledge the work that women are doing to promote health in their families and communities every day. A happy belated Mother’s Day to you all.
Please learn more about National Women’s Health Week (May 9-May 15) at http://ht.ly/1Ig6d/
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