June is National Men’s Health Month. This month is about encouraging boys, men, and their families to care for their bodies and mind by exercising, eating healthy, and seeking help when needed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, men in the United States die five years earlier than women and die at higher rates. The three leading causes of death are heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries. Men’s Health Month allows CHRISTUS to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of conditions, including depression. To help us learn more about men’s health, Christus Calling Podcast host Jillian Fertig speaks to Dr. William Pickard, a family medicine physician. He practices medicine at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Port Arthur, Texas.

“Sometimes it can take a lot for men to go to the doctor, and a lot of times they’re waiting waiting waiting until something serious, now they really have to go in. And a big part of my job is helping prevent things,” explained Dr. Pickard. “I want people to feel comfortable to come in to see their doctor or me once a year. We can test and ensure all the boxes are checked so that as men age, they can have peace of mind and not deal with significant problems. We can catch things early and help.”

Dr. Pickard is essential and a critical piece of the puzzle in the work CHRISTUS does to keep the communities CHRISTUS serves healthy.

Nadine Nadal is CHRISTUS Health’s Program Director for Community Development. She works with dozens of community partners, and introduces us to Jamey Brogan, CHRISTUS Health’s Vice President of Mission Integration in Longview and Marshall Texas part of the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System in Northeast Texas.

“I am a brother a son of father of four boys. And in my prior work, I worked in higher education where we helped support students have full health; physical, mental and spiritual health that they need. To live as God calls them,” said Brogan.

Brogan recently sat down for a candid chat and spoke to leader of one of the many organizations CHRISTUS partners with to help address social determinants of health.

The Twelve Way Foundation in Marshall has been helping men get and stay healthy despite significant obstacles. Brogan had an insightful conversation with Byron Butts, the Twelve Way Executive Director. After hearing of men overcoming extreme challenges, Brogan made a powerful remark.

“I think of that line from St Paul, ‘My power is made perfect through weakness. And it’s through those sufferings, those dark parts, that sometimes we can find our deepest calling,'” said Brogan.

Listen to CHRISTUS Calling’s latest podcast here: Celebrating Men’s Health Month: The importance of physical, mental and emotional well-being