June marks Men’s Health Month, a timely reminder for men to prioritize their health throughout the year, not just during one month.
This year’s focus highlights an urgent need for awareness and education about preventable health issues such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and various mental health conditions, which can save lives.
In response to the growing concerns about men’s health, the Men’s Health Conference is set to return to Las Vegas City Hall for its fourth year this June.
The event will kick off with a free opening night reception on June 27 from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by a full day conference on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., specifically designed for men.
Founder Natasha Mosby expressed her motivation behind creating the conference, stating, “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed a troubling void: Men’s health was not being addressed at a macro level in the state of Nevada.”
This observation was greatly influenced by alarming data on health disparities among men, including high prevalence rates of chronic conditions like hypertension and prostate cancer.
Coupled with rising mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicide, Mosby felt compelled to make a difference.
Recognizing that men often seek help only in moments of crisis, Mosby wanted to create a supportive environment where they could connect with resources and compassionate individuals without fear of stigma.
This year’s conference carries the theme “Generational Health,” which focuses on the importance of understanding family health history, lifestyle choices, and their implications for long-term well-being.
Co-organizer Alphonso Gibbs remarked, “We want to explore our relationships to health care and question how our past informs our current health decisions.”
Vic Ross, another co-organizer, added that the conference is an invitation for attendees to delve into the deep connections between their familial backgrounds and their health practices today.
Transformational stories of resilience will be featured at the conference, including a spotlight on Kenneth “Flex” Wheeler, a retired professional bodybuilder renowned for his contributions to the sport.
Wheeler, now 59 and a resident of Southern Nevada, will share his journey through various mental and physical health challenges, including a kidney transplant he received in 2003 and a partial amputation of his right leg.
Additionally, he openly discusses his experiences with dyslexia and childhood trauma, reflecting on the harrowing events he faced in his youth.
Having attempted to take his own life at a young age due to his struggles, Wheeler emphasizes the critical importance of sharing one’s story.
“I went through a lot of things that young boys should not have to go through,” he recalled. “The first time I was molested I was only 5 years of age, and this continued until the age of 16.”
Despite his past, Wheeler emerged as a successful figure in the bodybuilding world, leveraging his platform to inspire and uplift others facing similar battles.
Wheeler recounted, “I started having this desire to help people, and when I started to gain notoriety, I would receive letters from people all around the world about how sharing my story helped them.”
He acknowledges the kindness of those who supported him during his toughest moments, reflecting on a time when he benefitted from someone’s generosity after suffering a severe car accident.
This experience taught him the value of paying it forward, leading him to encourage others to do the same by offering support to those in need.
As the conference draws near, Natash Mosby emphasizes her ongoing commitment to community health, stating, “I reimagined the purpose of my private practice and business model, expanding its reach to offer free, community-based wellness services intentionally centered on men’s health.”
For those interested in attending the event, registration is now open, and additional details can be found at nsmhealthandwellness.com.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a loved one, support is available at all times by calling or texting the Lifeline network at 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org for live chat support.
Sheldon Jacobs, Psy.D., LMFT, a licensed mental health professional based in Las Vegas, encourages everyone to take action and prioritize their well-being year-round.
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