June is Men’s Health Month – an opportunity to raise awareness around the importance of prioritizing wellness and healthy habits. Over the past 16 months, many of us have put medical visits and routine care on the backburner. As we move into a new and brighter phase, this is a great time to check in with your own personal prevention and health maintenance plans and get back on track with your goals. Let’s take a moment to review some key health considerations for men and consider some actions to ensure ongoing wellness.

So many people I know are tracking step counts, sleep cycles, nutrients and what they eat, heart rates, and more. However, most of the women I talk with have never learned that their bodies have observable, trackable signs of fertility. There is so much more than just the date of the last menstrual period. Knowing and using these signs can help women and their partners either avoid or achieve pregnancy, no added chemicals needed! Tracking these signs can also help women notice changes in their health earlier and seek care if needed.

As summer approaches and the weather warms up, many people will be spending more time outdoors. Although getting outside and staying active is good for your health, it’s important to be careful of long-term sun exposure, which can lead to a common yet dangerous type of skin cancer called melanoma. Luckily, one of the best ways to protect yourself from melanoma is to simply wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.

Sunscreen use is extremely important regardless of gender,

Contraceptives have existed for thousands of years. In ancient Greece and Rome, the use of a plant called silphium (found only in a small region of Libya) was so popular as a method of birth control that over-cultivation resulted in its extinction. In ancient Egypt, a concoction of crocodile dung (ew!) and sour milk was developed, which was then placed into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. You really do not want to get pregnant to come up with that!

New England is home to some of the country’s best hikes, beaches, landmarks, and historical tours, all within driving distance. This is especially convenient for those still wary of air travel as we emerge from the pandemic. As you begin to ramp up your summer travels with a road trip, we’ve thought of some tips to help your family embark on a healthy and enjoyable journey.

What to Pack

Packing for a road trip can seem daunting,