Men’s Health Month
Awareness for men’s health includes multiple facets of health and well-being. Sadly, seeking help is not always easy as many men have been raised with the belief that asking for help or giving into pain is a sign of weakness and takes away from their role and status as men. Our community has to do our part to reverse this thinking and show that seeking help makes men stronger to take better care of their families. American Indian and Alaska Native men generally face greater health disparities and mortality rates than American Indian and Alaska Native women as well as men in other populations. Some of these health disparities include suicide, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes.
Key components to prioritizing health revolve around taking preventive measure against disease and illness as well as early detection to slow health issues from becoming worse, including:
- Eating a healthy diet including fruits and vegetables
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Reducing or quitting commercial tobacco use
- Stress management and limiting use of alcohol and dependence on drugs
- Attending regular health checkups
Visit your Primary Care Provider or our Public Health Department if you have questions or concerns about your health. Our Yellowhawk team is here for our community.
About Men’s Health Month Activities
TUESDAY’S – SOFTBALL GAMES
July Grounds. Every Tuesday in June from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Men of all ages are welcome to come and play ball! Participants are encouraged to bring their own softball gear. Yellowhawk will have a limited number of mitts available for day use, on a first come-first serve basis. Participation in at least 2 innings of softball each Tuesday earns 1 ticket per game to enter the drawing for prizes. Individuals who participate all 4 weeks will receive a “New Era 9forty Bat Hat” (supplies limited!) Water will be available for participants. Bathroom access available at Rec. Gym.
WEDNESDAY’S – HOOPS DAY
Yellowhawk Basketball Court. Every Wednesday in June any time between 10 am – 12 pm. Men of all ages are welcome to check into Public Health and join us on the court to shoot hoops for a few minutes or hang out for a couple hours. Get a friendly game of 1 on 1 or grab some buddies and create a little 3 on 3. Stop by on a break to de-stress and just play. Men of all ages welcome. Water will be available. Participation earns 1 ticket to raffle drawing.
WEDNESDAY’S – WEAR BLUE! Support your fellow men and wear a blue shirt.
COMPOSTING with our Community Garden Team, at the Community Garden (near Long House). Thursday, 06/02/2022, any time 10 am – 12 pm. Men of all ages are welcome to join us in the Community Garden. Physical activity can be achieved outside the gym. Come work in the garden to burn off stress and achieve a sense of fulfillment. Prepare to be inspired to grow your own food and learn more about a healthy garden system. A limited number of participants will receive a gardening kit courtesy of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Participation earns 1 ticket to raffle drawing.
PRIDE PARADE is hosted by United Pendleton Pride. Saturday, 6/11/2022 at 11 am gathering announcements start at Brownfield Park. A parade will move from Brownfield Park to the Heritage Museum Park 11:30 am – 3 pm. Yellowhawk will have a table staffed to provide information on LGBTQ+ mental health, suicide risks, and prevention among LGBTQ youth, STI education and other health promotion topics. This is a safe space for all to express their individuality and identity. Participation earns 1 ticket to raffle drawing.
MEN’S MINI GONA (Gathering of Native Americans) hosted by our Prevention team is at Yellowhawk Laxsimwit Conference Room. Wednesday. 06/15/2022, 5:30 pm dinner, 6:30 pm begin event, ends approx. 8 pm. Explore the four stages of healing trauma. Participation earns 1 ticket to raffle drawing.
BREATHWORK; A RELAXATION TECHNIQUE will take place during the GONA event in Yellowhawk Laxsimwit Conference Room on Wednesday, 06/15/2022. Breathwork helps calm stress, anxiety and brings balance to your body. During this 10-15 minute session participate in guided breathing exercises and learn skills you can use in your daily routine. Participation earns 1 ticket to raffle drawing.
BIKE RIDE: Thursday, 06/16/2022, 11 am – 12pm. Men of all ages are welcome to join us for a bike ride near the Yellowhawk campus. Bring your own bike and helmet or call Cody (541.240.8434) to reserve a bike and helmet. 5 bikes and 5 helmets are available. Meet us at 11 am at the front entrance of Yellowhawk. This is a great ride for beginners. Participation earns 1 ticket to raffle drawing.
