Welcome to the Certified Men’s Health Educator (CMHE) training course. This course is aimed at healthcare professionals and others who are passionate about helping boys, men, and their families achieve true health and wellness—and reimagining the healthcare system in a welcoming, guy-friendly way.
The First and Only
The first and only comprehensive course that focuses on boys’ and men’s unique health needs and challenges.
Built for You
Training and certifying healthcare professionals in any discipline, health educators, primary care practice providers and staff, faith-based organizations, teachers and social service providers, coaches, community leaders, and anyone else who works with boys and men*.
Mission Driven
Specifically designed to reimagine health and wellness in an inclusive, male-friendly way.
On average, men in the United States live shorter, sicker lives than women, dying at younger ages and in greater numbers from nine of the top 10 causes of death.
- Men are 40% more likely than women to die of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes; twice as likely to die of liver disease; and at least three times more likely to commit suicide.
- Males are far less likely than females to have regular contact with a doctor over the course of their lifetime, and half as likely to have a preventive health exam or get routine screenings.
- Boys and men engage more than females in more than 30 unhealthy behaviors (alcohol use, tobacco use, overeating, etc.) that increase their risk for poor health outcomes, and often ignore their symptoms and delay getting medical attention until it’s an emergency—or too late.
- When they finally do seek care, social taboos (such as “big boys don’t cry”) or embarrassment frequently prevent males from openly discussing their health concerns.
- Men are also more likely than women to be unemployed and less likely to have health insurance.
- As a result, men and boys often don’t receive preventive care for potentially life-threatening conditions, and those conditions don’t get diagnosed early—when they’re far easier to treat and/or cure.
- In the COVID-19 era, men are just as likely as women to get COVID. But their symptoms tend to be more severe than women’s, and they’re 50% more likely to be hospitalized and die of the disease.
Unfortunately, male health problems and premature mortality have been accepted by many as a way of life. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
It’s not just about improving men’s lives, though. A rising tide, as they say, lifts all boats, and when men are healthier, their families will be too.
So, what can we do to help boys and men live longer, healthier lives and also improve the health of our communities? Healing men’s health requires a shift in mindset, increased awareness of the health issues facing boys and men, and greater access to—and engagement in—health services, including preventive and condition-specific disease management services.
These steps will save lives (and money). And this program will help you make a significant difference for boys, men, and their families—not only in your community, but in the state, our country, and the rest of the world.
I'm Ready to Help Change LivesLearning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Communicate with men and boys in rural communities in ways that resonate with them and will motivate them to actively engage with the healthcare system and take on strong role in their own and their loved ones’ wellness and healthcare;
- Reimagine healthcare practices and other touch points in ways that will make men and boys feel comfortable and welcome;
- Design and conduct successful programs for men and boys—and recruit participants;
- Recognize and address sociocultural considerations that are unique to the many subpopulations of boys and men;
- Help women and other trusted loved ones support and encourage the boys and men in their lives;
- Enhance boys’ and men’s understanding of the COVID pandemic and educate them about the importance of COVID testing, vaccinations, and vaccinations in general.
Your Learning Path
Section 1: Introduction: Congratulations, You’re Having a Boy!
Section 2: Sociocultural, Ethnic, and Racial Factors
Section 3: Major Determinants of Health
Section 4: How to Connect with Men, Women, and Their Families about Men’s Health
Section 5: A Guide to Planning Your Own Health Events
Section 6: Building Bridges Between Patients and Healthcare Providers
Section 7: Vaccinations and COVID-19: Background and Implications for Men
Section 8: Special Considerations for Rural Men’s Health
Section 9: References and Resources
Brought to you by
This service was supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, under GR-21-73441. The contents of this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of or endorsement by the CDC.
*Eligibility and participant acceptance and capacity to be determined by MHN and RHA of TN
Ready to Begin?
Get started on your journey to transform men’s health—and the healthcare system.
