This Father's Day, Showing Up Starts With Your Health
Father’s Day is a moment to recognize everything dads do across a lifetime — from sleepless nights with newborns to teaching kids how to ride a bike, offering advice at graduations, and showing up for life’s. . .
Father’s Day is a moment to recognize everything dads do across a lifetime — from sleepless nights with newborns to teaching kids how to ride a bike, offering advice at graduations, and showing up for life’s biggest transitions. Fatherhood is constantly evolving. But one thing remains constant: being there for those moments depends on your health. Showing up starts with staying healthy“As fathers, we often focus on taking care of everyone else,” said Dr. Scott Flinn, regional medical director for Blue Shield of California’s Promise Health Plan. “But taking care of your own health is one of the most important ways you can show up for your family. ”That idea of “showing up” connects every stage of fatherhood. While many men make time to care for others, they often neglect their own healthcare—and that's where challenges arise. In the U. S. , nearlyhalf of menhave high blood pressure, and chronic conditions like heart disease and cancerremainleading health risks. Many of these conditions develop silently early in life and can go unmanaged without regular care. Different stages of fatherhood, different health needsMen in their 20s and 30s: Build the foundationDr. Scott Flinn, Blue Shield of CaliforniaFor younger men, whether raising children or not, this is the time to build habits that support long-term health. Focus on prevention:Schedule regular check-ups and stay up to date on recommended screenings, even if you feel healthy. Create sustainable habits:Prioritize physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and build routines around sleep and nutrition. Be aware of mental health:Manage stress related to work, finances, or new parenthood, and don’t ignore signs of burnout or anxiety. Avoid risky behaviors:Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol. “The habits built early can significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease later,” said Dr. Flinn. “It makes it easier to stay present and engaged as your life and family grow. ”Men in their 40s and 50s: Stay ahead of health risksThis stage often brings increased responsibilities — navigating peak career demands, supporting teenagers, and helping kids transition to adulthood. It’s also when many health risks begin to surface. Prioritize preventive care:Keep up with annual physicals (including colon cancer screenings) and monitor key health metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Stay on top of concerns:Address issues early, manage chronic conditions, and don’t delay care if something feels off. Maintain strength and energy:Stay active with both cardio and strength training. Support mental well-being:Pay attention to stress and burnout, and seek help when needed. Dr. Flinn notes this is a critical window for preventing or managing conditions that impact long-term health. “The work you do in this stage will help you continue to support yourself and your family through major life transitions. ”Men 60 and above: Stay engaged and focusedFatherhood doesn’t stop when children become independent. Many men continue providing guidance, stability, and often financial support across generations. Stay connected to care:Maintain regular screenings and closely manage medications and chronic conditions. Focus on mobility and independence:Stay active to maintain strength, balance, and energy. Support emotional and cognitive health:Stay socially engaged, watch for signs of isolation or memory concerns, and plan ahead for long-term care and health decisions. “Staying healthy in later years helps maintain independence and allows you to continue playing a meaningful role in your family’s life,” said Dr. Flinn. “This includes supporting kids in college and having the energy for grandfather duties like trips to the park or babysitting. ”This Father’s Day, remember: one of the most important ways fathers can support their families is by taking care of their own health — so they can keep showing up, not just today, but for years to come. ResourcesUnderstand the preventive care you need by visiting theCDC Preventive Care Guidancesite. Blue Shield members:Log into theBlue Shield of California portaland visit theFind A Doctor pageto schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or specialist near you. Explore Blue Shield’s digital lifestyle platform,Wellvolution, with resources for mental health, exercise, and more —available at no cost to most Blue Shield members.