--- title: How to Help Fathers Prioritize Their Health description: Explore the vital need to address dads' mental health during the pre and perinatal period, with recommendations for local, state, and national levels. Learn how NFI resources can help support fathers' mental well-being. image: https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Images/Blog/NFI_Blog_Help-Fathers-Prioritize-Health%20.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/how-to-help-fathers-prioritize-their-health#main) - [![NFI mark](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI%20mark.svg)FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://www.fatherhood.org/) - [STORE.FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://store.fatherhood.org/) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=149&height=82&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=65&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=66&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=89&height=49&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Get Informed Get Informed - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - [Father Stats & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) - Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Find Your Stage of Father Inclusion](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-inclusion) - [How Father Friendly Is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Fatherhood Data & Statistics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [How Father Friendly is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Other Free Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/nfi-free-resources) - [Talk With us to Get Started](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) National Fatherhood Initiative Blog / [Latest Articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) [fatherhood research](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/fatherhood-research) # How to Help Fathers Prioritize Their Health 2 min read ![Antoine Johnson](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/antoine-circle-icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=antoine-circle-icon.png) [** Antoine Johnson ** ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/author/antoine-johnson) As Program Success Director for National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), Antoine raises awareness among human service organizations of the system of complementary services and resources NFI offers and provides training and technical assistance to NFI partners. ![NFI_Blog_Help-Fathers-Prioritize-Health ](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/NFI_Blog_Help-Fathers-Prioritize-Health%20.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=NFI_Blog_Help-Fathers-Prioritize-Health%20.jpg) June marks a significant time for raising awareness about men's health, but in the conversation about well-being, there's a crucial voice that often gets overlooked—the voice of fathers. As we delve into [Men's Health Month](https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mens-health-month-2024), fatherhood practitioners and human service organizations can recognize and encourage fathers to prioritize their health. One of the most significant contributions fathers can make to their children and families’ health is prioritizing their own self-care and preventive health practices. Think about these facts. According to the [Indiana University School of Medicine](https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/spirit-of-medicine/mens-health-month#:~:text=The%20overall%20mortality%20rate%20is,feelings%20of%20depression%20or%20anxiety.): - Only 60 percent of men go to the doctor for yearly routine check-ups. - Men die an average of 5 years earlier than women. - 31 percent of men suffer from depression in their lifetime. - Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the U.S., and men are 2 to 3 times more likely to get prostate cancer if their father, brother, or son had it. Men's Health Month reminds fathers to take charge of their health, schedule routine check-ups, and seek support when needed. This will ultimately lead to healthier and happier families. Consider ways you can help fathers develop healthy habits (e.g., eating healthy, working out, and getting enough sleep). Here are a few things you can suggest to help dads prioritize their health: 1. Schedule yearly check-ups (physicals) and go to the doctor when sick. 2. Reduce stress. 3. Balance work and family life. 4. Join a community of faith. 5. Join or start a support group or network for dads. By modeling healthy behaviors and demonstrating the importance of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and proactive healthcare, fathers set a powerful example for their children and loved ones. Explore programs and resources for fathers that integrate a men’s health component. [National Fatherhood Initiative®'s](https://www.fatherhood.org/) (NFI’s) [Profathering15™](https://profathering.fatherhood.org/pages/why-profathering15), for example, allows dads to grow by learning skills in fathering, healthy relationships, and their physical and mental health. Additionally, NFI’s [Three Steps For Dads to Care For Their Mental Health](https://store.fatherhood.org/brochure-three-steps-for-dads-to-care-for-their-mental-health/) brochure is a great print resource to distribute to the dads you serve. As we observe Men's Health Month this June, let's not forget to celebrate and engage fathers as essential champions of well-being. By recognizing their influential role in promoting health within their families and communities, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond individual lives. Together, let's empower fathers to prioritize their health, break down barriers to engagement, and build a healthier, more vibrant future for all. **Do you include a men’s health component in your programs and services for fathers?** **How can you help fathers recognize their influential role in promoting health within their families?** [![he Benefits of Fatherhood Programs in Community-Based Organizations](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/135704/bbfbc796-8f3f-495b-a089-976b4f177f1f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/135704/bbfbc796-8f3f-495b-a089-976b4f177f1f) Date Published: 06/25/2024 Last Updated: 06/25/2024 ## Learn How to Build a Fatherhood Program That Works Download this free guide for a proven 7-step roadmap—from making the case and securing funding for your program, to launching and measuring real results! [Get The Guide Now!](https://www.fatherhood.org/starting-a-fatherhood-program) ![7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png?width=700&height=700&name=7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png) [ Previous ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/nfi-celebrates-30th-anniversary) [ Next ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/how-to-make-child-support-a-family-strengthening-program) ## Related Articles ### [New Bipartisan Bill Aims to Uplift Men in Preparing for Fatherhood “Involved fathers are pillars of strength in our families, embodying resilience, guidance, and unconditional love.” ~U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Image created using DALL•E 3. The ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/bipartisan-bill-aims-to-uplift-men-preparing-for-fatherhood) ### [30 Ways to Recruit Dads into Fatherhood Programs Struggling to attract dads to your fatherhood program? 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