Several countries around the world set aside the month of June to focus on men's health. It is an important time for reminding men about the importance of prioritising their physical, mental and emotional health, and encouraging them to take action to do so.

It is broadly understood that prostate cancer is a key issue affecting men’s health accounting for 33 per cent of all male cancer diagnoses. Prostate cancer has no racial boundaries, but does have high incidence and mortality rates, particularly affecting Black men.

Lifestyle and dietary habits play a key role in health outcomes, often giving rise to health challenges such as obesity and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Mental health and substance-use disorders are also significant contributors to health challenges among men. According to the American Journal of Men’s Health: “Mental health among men often goes untreated because they are far less likely to seek mental health treatment than women. Depression and suicide are ranked as leading causes of death among men. Six million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year. Men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women.”

There are many contributors to this, but one reason is that societal expectations around masculinity often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help for mental health concerns. Although societal views are changing, we must pick up the pace.

As we go through Men’s Health Month, I encourage all of Bermuda’s men, both young and old, to take time to understand your specific health needs and what you can do to improve them. Take care of your mind and body — don’t delay getting an annual checkup, make mindful dietary decisions, start a new exercise routine, and establish strong social-support networks. Also, learn about the community resources that are available to support your specific needs or interests.

Observing Men’s Health Month helps to raise awareness of men’s health needs, and it can also be a critical motivator for helping to reduce preventable diseases directly affecting the overall wellbeing of men and their families, but also our broader community.

• Robin Tucker is the Shadow Minister of Health and the MP for Hamilton South (Constituency 7)