Men’s Health: What Needs to Change?
Where to watch or listen to this episode
Rethinking Men’s Health: Why Connection and Community Matter More Than Ever
In our recent conversations at Revive Wellness, we’ve been diving deep into a topic that often stays “swept under the rug”: the state of men’s health in Canada. While it can be a heavy subject, it is one filled with hope, especially when we look at how community and small, sustainable changes can shift the trajectory of a life.
The Current Landscape
The data tells us a story we can’t ignore. In Canada, men on average live four years shorter than women. This isn’t just down to biology; it’s often tied to preventable causes. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of young men (ages 15 to 24) who rated their mental health as “excellent” or “very good” dropped from 70% to just 52%. We are also seeing a rise in “problem gambling” and substance use, often fueled by the ease of access through our phones and social media.
But why do these trends persist? Often, it comes down to the social pressure to “man up,” which is the idea that strength means shouldering burdens alone and delaying help until a situation becomes a crisis.
Lessons from a Transformation: The Jelly Roll Story
We recently discussed the incredible journey of musician Jelly Roll. His transformation, losing over 270 lbs and moving away from a lifestyle of substance abuse, is inspiring, but not just because of the numbers on the scale.
What stands out most is that he didn’t do it alone. He shifted his entire social circle. Instead of challenges centered around who could drink the most, his crew started health challenges, like seeing who could reach 100 push-ups.
This highlights a core philosophy we hold at Revive: your environment matters. When you’re trying to make a change, you don’t have to put all the pressure on yourself. Finding a community that supports your journey, even by just 2%, can be the difference between a temporary fix and a lifelong transformation.
Moving Toward the Good (Approach vs. Avoidance)
In health coaching, we often talk about “approach-based” goals. Instead of focusing solely on what to stop doing (avoidance), we focus on what to start doing.
Jelly Roll’s team didn’t just “stop partying”; they replaced those habits with basketball, better food choices, such as hiding vegetables in delicious sauces, and new shared goals. By substituting a less helpful habit with a more healthful one, you aren’t just leaving a void; you’re building a new, more vibrant routine.
How You Can Help Shape the Future
The Government of Canada is currently developing a Men and Boys Health Strategy to challenge harmful stereotypes and reduce the stigma around seeking help.
If you have five minutes, we encourage you to lend your voice. There is a national questionnaire, open until June 1st, that asks for your perspective on masculinity, community leadership, and the challenges men face at different life stages. It’s a meaningful way to ensure that public policy reflects real, lived experiences.
A Simple First Step
Policy change is important, but so is the “local” policy of your own life. Today, we invite you to:
Reach out: Send a text to a friend just to say hi.
Listen: You don’t need to have the answers; sometimes just being a “safe space” for someone to talk is enough.
Be brave: If you’re struggling, don’t wait for it to get “bad enough.” Reach out to a professional or a trusted friend today.
At Revive Wellness, we believe that one step forward is always better than no steps at all. Let’s keep moving toward a healthier, more connected future together.
Ready to take your first step?
If you are looking for nutrition help but aren’t sure where to start, we invite you to book a free 15-minute discovery call. This is a supportive, no-pressure way to discuss your needs and find which of our Registered Dietitians is the best fit for your unique health journey.
Click here to book with Matthew