Father’s Day is always celebrated on the third Sunday in June. This year, 2025, it falls on Sunday, June 15. Father’s Day can mean many different things, and I have a few special thoughts that I’d like to share. In broad terms, Father’s Day is a holiday honoring one’s own father, fatherhood in general, familial bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.
Exercising the role of fatherhood is sometimes likened to learning a new trick, but it’s more like learning a new skill while blindfolded, navigating through uneven terrain, all while running on empty. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and full of hurdles that will test you at every turn. On top of that, staying healthy as a parent can feel overwhelming. But, being a Dad, in my opinion, is the very best gift life has given me, and I want to be around for my kids for as long as I can. Dads have a lot to live for, and they live best when they are strong and healthy. Here are some of my own tips to help make a healthy and happy fatherhood, that are not too difficult to implement for those pressed for time.
Keep your mind young and active
Becoming a parent is full of ups and downs, and no one gets it exactly right, especially in the early days of fatherhood. It’s important to go easy on yourself and focus on staying healthy. Keeping the mind sharp through regular exercise, eating well, and cutting back on alcohol can make a big difference. Engaging in activities that challenge your brain, like solving puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill, can also help keep your mind active and boost cognitive resilience. Taking care of your brain now not only helps you manage the challenges of fatherhood but may also reduce the risk of memory-related diseases like Alzheimer’s later in life.
Keep your body moving
Exercise offers clear physical and mental benefits, but it can also make parenting easier and allow time for bonding. Staying active helps parents handle the challenges of diaper messes, crying babies, and the demands of everyday life. Taking the stroller out for a walk or playing with the grandkids is a simple way to stay fit while spending time with loved ones.
Cook more meals
Preparing meals in advance, like a big pot of soup or a stir fry, can be a lifesaver for busy households where there’s little time to cook. Planning ahead and making simple, nutritious dishes can make mealtime much easier. For dads-to-be, it’s a great idea to start practicing some basic cooking skills now. Learning a few go-to recipes can help make life smoother when things get hectic and Mom is overwhelmed.
Be sensible about your sleeping habits
Sleep is like a reset button for the body and mind, helping everything slow down and recover. It keeps people calm, improves their mood, and prepares them to handle life’s challenges. In fact, along with diet and exercise, it is one of the three keys to staying healthy and functioning well, especially during stressful times. Avoid staying up too late, overindulging in alcohol, or binge-watching TV whenever possible. Getting enough rest will make anyone a better parent, partner, coworker, teammate, and overall person.
Try supplementation as a preventative
Dietary supplementation is not only there to cover any nutritional gaps and treat deficiencies, but some are also designed to do amazing things like balance hormones and boost energy. As fathers, we don’t just want to be present for our kids, but to be the best version of ourselves around them, and supplements like the Energy Pack or Men’s Hormone Support Pack can help to achieve that. But remember, supplementation should always be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Visit a doctor when you need to
Regular doctor visits are important for men to detect, prevent, and manage health issues before they worsen. Many conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer, and respiratory diseases, develop silently and only show symptoms when they are advanced. Screenings help detect these earlier, reducing risks of severe outcomes like heart attacks, strokes, or organ damage. For example, managing high blood pressure early can prevent serious complications.
Proactively scheduling doctor visits helps men take charge of their health, address potential risks early, and benefit from preventive measures tailored to specific needs. These appointments save lives by catching illnesses early and helping men stay healthier for longer.
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice
Fatherhood can create many challenges and unexpected turns. Many dads have taken this journey, each using their own approach. There’s no single way to be the perfect dad, so it’s important to seek advice from different people. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Learning never exhausts the mind,” and learning from others can make the path a little easier to navigate. Let Father’s Day be a stimulus to bring the role of fatherhood back into focus, for a better, healthier, and happier year ahead.
FAQs
What is the history of Father’s Day?
It goes back more than 100 years, to 1924, when President Calvin Coolidge urged states to observe the day nationwide. However, he refused to issue an official proclamation for the holiday. There was an effort to combine Mother’s Day and Father’s Day into a single “Parent’s Day” holiday officially recognized as a federal holiday. It wasn’t until 1972 that, during his re-election campaign, Richard Nixon signed an official proclamation setting Father’s Day permanently on the third Sunday in June nationwide.
What are the top 3 men’s health issues?
Men face significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers (skin, prostate, testicular, colon), alcohol-related issues, respiratory illnesses, and virus-related conditions. Cardiovascular disease leads in mortality risk, with many cases preventable through healthy habits and routine screenings. Diabetes and excessive alcohol use increase anyone’s vulnerability to severe complications, including cancers and organ damage. Men are less likely to use sunscreen or undergo screenings, resulting in higher skin cancer rates. Smoking elevates risks for respiratory diseases and cancers, while viruses like HIV and hepatitis require timely testing and treatment. Proactive health checks, early detection, and lifestyle changes are vital to improving men’s health outcomes.
Are men more affected by illness?
Men face higher risks of premature death overall due to conditions like heart disease, respiratory or liver illnesses. External factors like COVID-19 and road accidents have made this worse. In many places, male life expectancy is several years lower than female life expectancy.
What does erectile dysfunction indicate about a man’s health?
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is when a man can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It’s not unusual for a man to have trouble with erections once in a while, but if it happens often, it can cause stress, lower self-confidence, and create problems in relationships. It can also be a sign of a health issue that needs attention and might even point to a higher risk of heart disease.
What is the biggest health issue for men?
Cardiovascular disease is the biggest health issue for both men and women. It affects nearly half of all adults and is the leading cause of death in the United States. Men are at a higher risk for heart disease compared to women, with factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking all increasing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues.
What are the health issues of older men?
As men age, they may face a range of health issues such as prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, and decreased testosterone levels. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men over 50, and regular screenings are recommended to catch it early.
