Men’s Health Month: What it means to Goodwill’s Multicultural Impact Program Members

Taking care of your health – whether it be physical, mental or spiritual can have lasting effects on other aspects of your life including work. This is especially important for men to keep in mind. According to Men’s Health Network, men die at higher rates for nine of the top ten causes of death including cancer, diabetes, suicide and accidents; and diseases of the heart, kidney and liver. During Men’s Health Month, we’re helping to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems among men and boys.

Goodwill’s Multicultural Impact Program is part of the organization’s Boys & Men of Color initiative and aims to support men of color in your community through mentoring and skills training. Members of the program’s first cohort reflected on their life experiences and shared their thoughts on what prioritizing men’s health means to them.

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Matthew Ellis

Lead Asset Protection Specialist

“Prioritizing my health each day is something that means so much to me.”

As a black male growing up at home or the multiple schools I went to, no one taught us how valuable being in good health mentally, physically and spiritually is. I found this out the hard way after turning 18. As I struggled as an adult, I did not comprehend or was even aware that my mental and physical health was greatly diminishing year after year. Being a young parent, struggling with paying bills on my own, dealing with relationship issues and trying to find a job, my health was decreasing. I also didn’t understand how bad health could influence my depression and I simply made bad decisions. When everything seems too hard to do, I would give up and eat out of control, and constantly had a bad mindset about myself.

Two and half years ago something came over me. I was 318 pounds and demoralized. I finally started taking the necessary steps to get in shape physically. To my surprise I had no idea whatsoever that mentally I was starting to feel better, my decision making was getting better, I was able to think more clearly, control my emotions and be more assertive.

Prioritizing my health each day is something that means so much to me. Honestly, I feel I cannot function at a high level if my health is not in great shape. I still have a long road ahead of me, but I want to transform my life into a healthy lifestyle.

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Robert Aquino
Retail Supervisor

“We must change the mindset that men should have to tough it out.”

Prioritizing men’s health is very important especially nowadays when men are at a higher health risk. We must change the mindset that men should have to tough it out. Real men make their health a priority.

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Jordan Hardy
Utility Worker, Retail Services

“If we are at our lows, it is very important that we reach out for help, get advice and look out for each other…”

Prioritizing men’s health to me means being able to look out for each other at our highs and lows. Many of us are taught to be lone wolves and do stuff on our own, which I have no problem with! If we are at our lows, it is very important that we reach out for help, get advice and look out for each other because many of us could be on our last leg before giving up. And that’s something we don’t need. Too many of us see other men succeeding, and once they’re at their weak spot, we watch them drown. This needs to change!

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