by Rich Nagel
Every June, we recognize Men’s Health Month — a national observance dedicated to highlighting the unique health challenges men face and promoting the value of early detection, consistent care, and healthy habits. At Hines & Associates, this isn’t just another awareness campaign. It’s a mission to empower men — especially those in physically demanding, high-risk industries — to prioritize their health and well-being. It’s also a call for employers to invest in sustainable solutions that protect their workforce and healthcare budgets.
From pipefitters and truck drivers to construction workers and welders, men often make up the backbone of essential infrastructure. These jobs demand strength and endurance, but many men working in these roles overlook their own health until a serious issue arises. This reactive approach has a high cost — both in lives lost too soon and in avoidable healthcare spending.
The State of Men’s Health in America
Men’s health in the U.S. is marked by a troubling trend: underutilization of preventive care and higher rates of preventable chronic illness. Let’s look at some key statistics:
- 77% of men report experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, or depression — yet only 40% seek help.¹
- Men are 24% less likely than women to have seen a physician within the last year.²
- 1 in 2 men will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime.³
- On average, men die five years earlier than women.⁴
- Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., followed by cancer, unintentional injuries, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.⁵
These statistics point to a gap in engagement and a need for tailored outreach strategies. When men delay care, conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and mental health disorders can go unnoticed — often until they require expensive interventions.
The Real Cost of Men’s Health Neglect
The economic impact of ignoring men’s health is staggering. Chronic and preventable diseases drive up medical claims, contribute to absenteeism, and reduce workforce productivity:
- Men often delay medical attention for issues like urinary problems, mental health symptoms, and sexual dysfunction for up to 15 years.⁶
- Preventable chronic diseases in working-age men cost the U.S. economy approximately $300 billion annually in direct medical expenses.⁷
- Lost productivity due to untreated health conditions in men costs employers over $140 billion per year — and rising.⁸
- Preventable workplace injuries, which disproportionately affect male workers in physically demanding roles, account for $167 billion annually. This includes direct costs, missed work, long-term disability, and even litigation.⁹
Moreover, undiagnosed or late-stage diseases drive higher utilization of emergency services and inpatient care — dramatically increasing employer-sponsored plan costs. In short, when prevention is overlooked, everyone pays more.
Prevention: The Smartest Investment in Men’s Health
According to the Trust for America’s Health, every $1 invested in preventive care can return up to $6 in long-term savings.¹⁰ These savings include reduced hospitalizations, fewer emergency room visits, lower prescription costs, and improved worker productivity.
Men who participate in preventive health programs — including routine screenings, behavior modification coaching, stress management, and lifestyle counseling — have a significantly lower incidence of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Still, several factors hold men back:
- Stigma around asking for help
- Cultural expectations of toughness and stoicism
- Limited time due to demanding work schedules
- Lack of access to care in remote or industrial worksites
This is why Hines & Associates is committed to bridging the gap with innovative, male-focused prevention models that meet men where they are.
How Hines Supports Men’s Health — Especially on the Job
At Hines, we specialize in clinically backed case management and health interventions that are designed for men in high-risk and male-dominated fields. Our mission is to support the whole person — physically, mentally, and emotionally — while keeping healthcare spending sustainable for employers.
1. Wearable Technology & Biometric Intelligence
Through our wellness app, Healthy Tomorrows, we equip members with wearable technology that monitors real-time vitals like heart rate variability, sleep quality, oxygen saturation, and movement. This data helps identify health issues before they become claims and enables proactive coaching.
2. One-on-One Clinical Support
Our licensed nurse case managers work directly with men to create actionable health plans. We help them find primary care doctors, schedule appointments, follow up on labs and imaging, and avoid unnecessary ER visits or uncoordinated specialist care. Our team becomes a trusted ally in navigating complex health systems.
3. Industry-Specific Safety & Prevention Plans
For blue-collar and industrial sectors such as pipefitting, trucking, logistics, and construction, we offer targeted health and safety programs, including:
- On-site injury prevention workshops
- Education on hydration, heat stress, and fatigue
- Behavioral health check-ins and suicide prevention
- Substance use disorder screening and recovery support
- Cardiovascular fitness screening for physically demanding jobs
4. Custom Health Literacy Campaigns
We provide easy-to-understand, jargon-free materials tailored to working men. Topics include:
- Hypertension and heart health
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Colon and prostate cancer risks
- Nutrition and weight management
- Recognizing early signs of depression
5. Cost-Conscious Employer Solutions
Our value-driven model enables employers to achieve better health outcomes without inflating premiums. By investing in risk identification, early intervention, and member engagement, we help organizations:
- Reduce out-of-network spend
- Control claim volatility
- Lower absenteeism and disability claims
- Promote long-term workforce stability
The Bottom Line
Men’s Health Month is an opportunity — not only to spotlight risks but to shift the culture. Prevention is powerful. When men are given the tools, trust, and time to care for themselves, health improves. Costs go down. Productivity increases.
At Hines & Associates, we’re proud to stand with employers, unions, and health plans that want to make a lasting difference. Our programs are designed to empower men — not just for the month of June, but year-round.
Together, we can build a future where men thrive at home, on the job, and in life.
Ready to protect your workforce?
Contact Rich today at rnagel@hinesassoc.com to learn how our men’s health programs can improve outcomes and reduce your plan’s long-term risk.
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