In observance of Men's Health Week, Parkland Health experts are addressing common misconceptions about men's health that can lead to delayed or inadequate care. According to Parkland, men often downplay symptoms or dismiss the need for regular checkups, potentially impacting their long-term health.
Parkland Health's specialists are tackling five pervasive myths:
Myth #1: “Osteoporosis is only a concern for women.”
Parkland Health officials say this myth is particularly dangerous because it allows a silent but serious disease to go unchecked in men.
“Men account for about 25% of osteoporosis-related fractures in people over 50, yet are rarely screened,” said Dr. Nathan Boes, Parkland’s Sports Medicine Director. “By the time men suffer a fracture, it’s often too late to prevent long-term consequences.”
Risk factors for men include:
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Long-term use of corticosteroids
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Low testosterone
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Smoking and excessive alcohol use
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Inactive lifestyle
Dr. Boes recommends all men over age 50 talk to their doctor about bone health, especially if they fall into one or more risk categories. He also advises increasing calcium and vitamin D intake, doing regular weight-bearing exercises like walking or resistance training, and avoiding tobacco and heavy drinking.
Myth #2: “Mental health isn’t a men’s issue.”
Mental health stigma remains a major barrier for men, despite sobering statistics. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women and are twice as likely to experience substance abuse disorders.
“Many men downplay mental health concerns, assuming it’s a sign of weakness,” said Dr. Josh Briley, Team Lead for Parkland’s Psychology Department. “But untreated stress, anxiety, and depression are linked to nearly every major health condition, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, even stroke and cancer.”
Dr. Briley suggests reframing the conversation around mental health by focusing on tangible benefits:
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Better sleep
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Improved work performance
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Fewer arguments at home and work
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Increased physical energy and concentration
He says a focus on results rather than emotions may help more men feel comfortable seeking help.
Myth #3: “Injuries are just part of staying active as you age.”
Many men brush off aches and pains as “normal” when aging, but that mindset often leads to re-injury or long-term damage. Parkland’s sports medicine team says staying active is critical, but needs to be done safely.
“Don’t rush recovery. A minor muscle strain might heal in two to six weeks, but tendon or ligament injuries take much longer,” said Dr. Boes. “Pushing through pain often leads to reinjury or chronic problems.”
Tips for safe recovery and injury prevention include:
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Starting with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling
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Avoiding full weight-bearing or high-intensity workouts until pain-free
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Using the “10% rule”: increase activity duration, weight, or intensity by no more than 10% per week
Myth #4: “If I feel fine, I don’t need a doctor.”
According to Parkland Health, this is one of the most damaging beliefs among men.
“Just because you don’t feel sick doesn’t mean nothing’s wrong,” said Dr. Boes. “Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can go unnoticed for years before symptoms appear. That’s why regular screenings and wellness checks are so important.”
Parkland recommends men schedule annual checkups starting in their 20s and work with their provider to track:
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Blood pressure
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Blood sugar
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Cholesterol
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Cancer screenings appropriate for age and family history
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps to stay on top of your health:
- Schedule regular medical and dental checkups to identify issues early.
- Know your family’s health history, which may put you at a higher risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes or cancer.
- Stay up to date with recommended screenings and vaccinations, especially when it comes to prostate cancer and heart health for men.
Myth #5: “Sleep isn’t important.”
Poor sleep has serious health consequences. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and depression. And it’s not just about quantity; sleep quality matters, too.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Quality sleep plays a vital role in supporting brain function, including learning, memory and alertness. It also helps the body heal and recover, supporting physical growth and development, repairing the heart and blood vessels and strengthening your ability to fight off germs and infections.
To improve your sleep habits, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends the following tips:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends.
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before bedtime.
- Limit or eliminate nicotine and caffeine, which are stimulants that can interfere with sleep quality.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and free of distracting lights from electronic devices.
Parkland Health officials emphasize that this Men’s Health Week is about more than awareness—it’s about action.
“Healthy habits, regular checkups, and paying attention to both physical and mental health can help men live longer, healthier lives,” said Dr. Briley. “It’s never too late to take charge of your health.”
Parkland Health's Access to Care & Coverage Program offers health screenings in communities to help men prioritize their health and connect to care. They encourage men to schedule annual checkups, inquire about age-appropriate screenings, incorporate mental health into their wellness routines, stay active smartly, and prioritize quality sleep.
