Men’s Health Month | Buddying Up for Conversation

We’re just wrapping up Men’s Mental Health Week, and are in the heart of Men’s Health Month. Canada has come a long way in making room for vulnerable conversations about what’s really going on for our fathers, partners, and sons.

Men’s health through the lens of one mental health charity

We have the happiest privilege of observing the good work of thousands of Canadian charities. And there are hundreds (literally!) that are advocating for health and mental health for all Canadians. Race, creed, gender, sexuality, socio-economic experience — whatever and wherever you identify, there is support for you! These charities will have your back in your darkest times; they’ve got you when you thrive, too.

Men’s health is no exception. I have been particularly drawn to CMHA Edmonton’s “BuddyUp” campaign:

“Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention campaign: a call to action for men, by men, to drive authentic conversation amongst men and their buddies. Participate in the year-round activities that promote connection and wellbeing. Learn more about how you can help at www.buddyup.ca”

You can find more on their socials, too: @cmhaedmonton and https://www.facebook.com/CMHAEdmonton! With men’s suicide rates being 3x higher than women’s in Canada, this charity is an excellent place to find hope and direction.

Father’s Day and men’s health

“This has been really hard for him. Before his diagnosis he was the guy that never got sick. Like, ever. So this has been a blow to all of us.”

When our dad’s face into a health crisis, it can feel alarming in more ways than one. There’s the illness…and then there’s how they feel about being ill. If they are unfamiliar with the kind of vulnerability that comes with tests, procedures, medication, or hospitalization, it can all be a bit overwhelming.

There are supports available, now, that tend more than just the disease of the body. Doctors can be trauma-informed, dialed-in to how body health and mental health are intertwined, while capably providing an action plan.

June also happens to be home to Father’s Day. This Father’s Day, consider honouring your dad with a gift that can continue research, education, advocacy, and support around your own parent’s health journey. Cancer, diabetes, alzheimer’s, and heart health charities all need your support. A gift for men’s health, in Dad’s name, is a meaningful way to ensure health for coming generations, too!

Rev up your old clunker, classic, or get-around-car wellness

Looking for a donation that even Tim “the Tool Man” Taylor can get behind? Donate a vehicle. Wrecked, running, rusty, or race-ready, every car counts. Each vehicle is assessed on its own merit: saleable? Awesome! Our agents will sell it, as-is, to the highest bidder. Recycle-ready? No problem! We are paid market value for vehicles that are ready to come off the road. Either way, the net proceeds are sent to your men’s health charity of choice.

The process is simple and quick. You can do up a form online, or you can call in and talk to a live human! We’ll happily assist in taking your vehicle details and getting you set up with your free tow.

Around here, we are all about serving the charities that are serving our dads, our sons, and our male partners. We’ll do our part to keep the conversation going, and we look forward to working alongside you as you do the same!

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Sandra McDonald

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