The nonprofit Men’s Health Network celebrates Men’s Health Week from June 12 through 18. Providing a great opportunity to shine a light on the unique health concerns of men and boys. Private businesses, government agencies, churches, fraternities and other organizations host health screenings, educational and other awareness events. Most importantly, individual men and women make a commitment toward a healthier lifestyle.

Today, men are dying on average six years younger than women and lead in top causes of death, have a higher rate of workplace injuries and fatalities, and are nearly four times as likely to commit suicide. There are several reasons for this, but one of the most critical reasons is the way men view their health. From a very young age, boys are taught that if you fall off your bike and bruise your elbow, you walk it off and man up. As they grow up and start showing signs of a chronic condition, they retain that mentality and neglect to seek medical attention. If we want to change the state of men's health and consequently family health, we need to start changing the way men think. Men's Health Week presents the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, there is no question that the effect is life-changing for her and her family. The same is true when a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because both breast and prostate cancers affect intimacy, it's easy to see how their effects go far beyond the patient, but these are only two of the conditions that impact the partnership and family.

Almost all of the diseases that are highlighted during men's health week, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung cancer and even depression, extend to the whole family. For example, if a man is depressed, regardless of the reason why, his depression may rob him of his energy and drive. It may also decrease his libido and/or cause erectile dysfunction, a common symptom of diabetes and heart disease.

The failure to address health issues can have a ripple effect because being incapacitated can jeopardize a man's family finances. His family may have to relocate, postpone or cancel educational or employment opportunities or lose their health insurance coverage, and the lack of insurance is a significant predictor of poor health outcomes. It is critical that we use Men's Health Week to improve the state of men's health—and by extension, the health of their families.

Austin Kese is a member of the Mens Health Network. For more information, visit MensHealthNetwork.org.