Guys, We Need to Talk

Not about how much you can bench press. Or who won the football game.

For November’s Men’s Health Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to start a conversation about something many men struggle with: their health.

We get it. You’re tough, and you don’t need to complain. But seeing your primary care physician regularly isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re taking your health seriously. Men who see their doctors regularly may be at lower risk for many causes of death. You can literally live longer by committing to that annual checkup.

A recent study found a 62% higher risk of dying from heart disease and a 22% increased risk of dying from any cause among men who had no medical visits compared with those who saw their physician. The same association was not found in women.1

Submitted photo

One of the leading causes of death for men is heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 51% of adult men in the U.S. require medication for hypertension.2 Another recent study showed that a third of U.S. adults had metabolic syndrome, a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, poor cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat that increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.3

Regular checkups and lab work can help uncover and address these often-silent warning signs.

The CDC also reports a male obesity rate of 39%. Exercise can reduce health risks, yet only 28% of American adult men meet physical activity guidelines.1

The stigma may be even greater when it comes to men’s mental health. The suicide rate among men in the U.S. is approximately four times that of women4. Closer to home, in 2024 in Michigan, males accounted for 80% of all suicide deaths5. Men often carry a lot of stress, may struggle to talk about their emotions, and can be reluctant to ask for help. 

Male distress and depression may not include tears or even look like sadness. It can be hard to recognize, and often surfaces as anger, irritability, difficulty in relationships, withdrawal, excessive focus on work, risk-taking, and increased substance use. These behaviors can be hard on the people they love and can make conversations about mental health even more difficult.6

That’s heavy stuff. But you’re not alone. 

At Tranzform Fitness in Grand Haven, our mission is to improve our community’s health, you guys included. And lifting heavy weights can help lift some of that burden. But physical and mental health aren’t two separate conversations. We want to superset them because strengthening both together is how you build a healthier life.

Strength training and cardiovascular exercise are critical for preventing chronic disease and supporting long-term health. Exercise and good nutrition can also support mental health, and our certified coaches are here to help with both. Our yoga practice and pop-up events incorporate meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness as additional tools to manage stress and support mental well-being.

But sometimes taking care of yourself means talking, too. 

This November, we’re bringing Mosaic Counseling right to the gym for an important, candid conversation about men’s mental health and its new Men’s Support Group. The group meets at First Presbyterian Church every third Monday of each month, 5:00-6:30 pm.

Come join the discussion and learn more on November 2nd, 6:45-8:00 pm at Tranzform. 

Ladies, bring a man you love. Guys, bring a buddy.

See you on 11.02.26.

1 Katsuragawa et al., Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2022

2 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens-health.htm

3 Abohashem et al., JAMA, 2026

4 National Institute of Mental Health

5 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

6 CDC Risk and Protective Factors