June is Men’s Health Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the men in our lives and encourage them to take their health seriously before something feels wrong. For many men, health care can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Work, family, travel responsibilities, and everyday life often take priority. Preventative care is one of the best ways to stay strong, active, and present for the people and moments that matter the most.
The good news? Taking care of your health does not have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with one appointment, or one honest conversation with your doctor, or one decision to stop putting off a screening. Preventive care is health care designed to catch potential concerns early or help prevent them altogether. Think of it as routine maintenance for your body. Just like you would not wait for your car engine to fail before you decide to get an oil change, you should not wait for symptoms before checking on your health.
Annual wellness visits and routine screenings can help monitor important health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, and cancer risk. These appointments also give you the opportunity to talk with your provider about sleep, stress, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, family history, and any changes you may have noticed.
Many common health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, may not cause obvious symptoms in early stages. That is why routine care matters. Early detection can lead to earlier treatment, better outcomes, and more options.
Let’s Talk About Prostate Health
One important topic during Men’s Health Month is prostate cancer. The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. As men age, prostate health becomes an important part of overall wellness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but the conversation around screening is not always one-size-fits-all. A common screening tool is the prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test. PSA testing can help detect prostate cancer early, but it can also lead to follow-up testing or treatment for cancers that many grow very slowly. That is why many health experts recommend shared decision-making between patients and their health care providers. In simple terms, talk to your doctor. Ask about your personal risk, when you should begin screening, and whether PSA testing is right for you.
Some men may need to start the conversation earlier, especially those at higher risk. Your provider can help you understand what makes sense based on your age, health history, and individual risk factors.
Men’s Health Month is also a reminder that health is more than avoiding illness. It is about building habits that support your life now and in the future.
A strong men’s health routine may include:
So yes, asking questions counts as taking action! No concern is too small to bring up with your provider.
Sometimes the hardest part of preventative care is simply getting started. If you have been putting off an appointment, use this month as your reminder to schedule it. If there is a man in your life who avoids the doctor, encourage him with care, not pressure. A simple, “Have you scheduled your checkup this year?” can go a long way. Health is personal, but support makes a difference. Fathers, brothers, sons, spouses, friends, coworkers, and colleagues all benefit when men feel empowered to take care of themselves.
How AFSPA Can Help
The American Foreign Service Protective Association (AFSPA) is committed to supporting members and their families by providing resources that make preventive care and wellness more accessible. Through the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP), eligible members have access to preventative care benefits, including wellness visits and preventative screenings.
FSBP’s Cancer Support Program
The FSBP‘s Cancer Support Program is designed to provide education and support to members. We will contact candidates and ask them to participate in the Program. Participation is voluntary. The participant and his/her physician or other health care professional remain in charge of the treatment plan.
If you would like to contact the Plan for more information about this Program, please call 800-593-2354. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST).
TherapEase Cuisine®
TherapEase Cuisine is an oncology nutritional service offering reliable information and scientifically based nutritional solutions to those diagnosed with cancer. The TherapEase Cuisine exclusive online service is offered to patients who use Accredo®, a specialty pharmacy. Its personalized support helps answer the question, “What should I be eating?” Learn more at https://www.therapeasecuisine.com/
Health Risk Assessment (HRA)
Members can earn $75 for an HRA. Members can register on the Aetna Secure Member website. Look for the “Health and Wellness” icon, then select “Discover a Healthier You” and complete your free online assessment. Members can also call 866-533-1410 to complete their HRA by phone.
Annual Physical/Biometric Screening
An annual physical exam can determine the general status of your health and detect health conditions early. A biometric screening assesses your overall health and measures physical attributes – blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, height, weight, body mass index, and aerobic fitness. These standard exams can identify potential health risks and underlying medical issues.
Health Actions for Wellness Rewards
Earn up to $400 in wellness rewards when you complete any combination of Healthy Actions including colorectal screening, controlling your blood pressure, receiving a flu shot, tobacco cessation counseling sessions, and more. To learn more visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/#HRA
Upcoming AFSPA Events for Men
Do you have questions about Virtual Health Options for Men? You’re invited to join our live Q&A session on Thursday, June 25, at 11:00 AM ET. AFSPA’s CEO, Kyle Longton, will be available to answer your questions related to this topic. Watch the live broadcast here.
AFSPA Talks Podcast
Subscribe or follow our AFSPA Talks podcast at https://afspatalks.buzzsprout.com/. In our latest episode, we discussed the importance of men’s health and even delved into some trends with Dr. Kelly Ruel, Sr. Medical Director at Aetna/CVS Health. To learn more about topics discussed in this episode, please visit FSBP Preventive Care, Virtual Care, and Wellness Programs – https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/
