August is National Wellness Month, a campaign designed to promote self care, healthy habits and holistic well-being. Established in 2018, it has grown into a nationwide movement focused on multiple dimensions of wellness, including physical, emotional and social health. Community events, workshops and online campaigns encourage self-care while emphasizing the importance of preventive health measures and sustainable lifestyle changes. The health awareness advanced by National Wellness Month certainly extends to men, particularly by addressing issues such as heart health, mental wellness and recommended health screenings.
National Wellness Month is an example of what experts call a national health observance: a special day, week or month dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. According to the Society for Public Health Education, more than 200 national health observances will be held in the United States in 2026.
Despite the proliferation of these observances, research suggests they may not be the most effective way to change behavior. The health of Americans offers one measure. As reported by the Commonwealth Fund, when compared with other industrialized nations, Americans are less healthy on average, with shorter lives, higher preventable death rates, and more barriers to care. The United States spends more per capita on healthcare yet achieves worse health outcomes, highlighting a disconnect between spending and population health. In my own review of Men’s Health Month, another national health observance, I showed how the 30-plus-year effort created through legislation signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994 has produced modest results in changing the health behaviors of men.
Are national health observances effective?
Health awareness days, weeks and months can successfully increase public knowledge and online queries, but research shows that they rarely trigger long-term behavioral changes or sustained increases in medical screenings. What they do well is boost online activity, share basic facts, educate the public on symptoms, risk factors and medical conditions, and reduce stigma by opening conversations that help normalize misunderstood conditions such as mental health disorders.
The American Journal of Public Health says these observances too often focus on symbols over action, such as wearing a ribbon rather than taking preventive steps like booking a screening. The research also suggests that sustained impact is limited. Knowledge gains and public attention fade quickly once the specific day or month ends. Scientists at Drexel University also note that campaigns often place the full burden on individual choices while ignoring barriers such as cost, lack of insurance or transportation issues that limit real access to healthcare.
Design and integration are key
Still, some experts believe national health observances can be powerful tools for behavior change, provided they are well designed, carefully targeted and placed in the right context. Their chances of success increase when they are contextually relevant, community engaged and supported by evidence-based strategies. Tailoring messages to local needs, engaging diverse communities, and offering simple, actionable steps can make it easier for people to adopt and maintain new habits.
Connecting health messages to personal experiences and making them more relatable allows people to see the human side of health promotion. This kind of design makes people more likely to internalize the message and act on it.
For lasting impact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says observances should be part of an ongoing campaign — like follow-up events, social media challenges or community programs — that keep the momentum going.
The impact on 50-plus men
National health observances can be effective tools for men over 50 when they align with men’s health priorities and behaviors, but their success depends on how they are promoted and integrated into daily health routines. Experts suggest that targeted observances stand a greater chance of success. Campaigns designed to address age-related health issues such as cardiovascular disease, prostate health, osteoporosis and mental well-being are viewed as more likely to connect with men. Those that link to evidence-based resources from the CDC and other agencies can help older men understand prevention strategies, screening recommendations and lifestyle changes, increasing the value of the observance. Social media, community events and provider reminders during observance weeks also can increase visibility and engagement among older adults. Still, there are limitations.
National health observances often fail to engage men over 50 effectively, because they do not always align with the social, cultural and health-seeking behaviors of this group. Traditional gender roles and masculine identity can be difficult to overcome.
Many older men grew up in a culture that emphasized stoicism, strength and avoidance of behaviors perceived as “feminine,” including regular health checkups or preventive care. This mindset persists into later life, making them less likely to view health observances as a priority or to seek help until symptoms are severe. Older men are more likely to ignore symptoms, delay scheduling visits and wait for emergencies before seeking care. National observances, which often rely on public awareness campaigns, may not overcome this tendency if they do not offer accessible, low-barrier entry points. Men also generally have lower health literacy than women, which affects their ability to interpret and act on health information.
A valuable tool nonetheless
Research and real-life examples show that personal health scares, strong family support and structured routines can be powerful motivators for men to adopt and sustain healthier behaviors. Many of us know men who changed their habits because of a personal experience. Men who experience serious health events, such as heart attacks, strokes or cancer diagnoses, are more likely to make significant lifestyle changes. Family encouragement, accountability and shared healthy habits can help men stick to new routines. Practical routines form the foundation for lasting change because sustained health habits depend on integration into daily life. Nevertheless, national health observances can play an important role, particularly given the overall state of American health, where any bit of encouragement is welcome.
While they are no silver bullet, national health observances are valuable because they educate the public, align with national health priorities, encourage preventive behaviors, and help reduce health disparities. When combined with data from agencies such as the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, they can guide effective, evidence-based strategies to improve the health of Americans. Think of them as one tool in the healthy lifestyle toolkit. If that tool helps fix your problem, then that is what counts. Happy National Wellness Month.
Louis Bezich, chief of staff to the co-CEOs at Cooper University Health Care, is author of Saving Men From Themselves: 20 Proven Tactics with a New Approach to Healthy Living for Men Over 50,” and “Crack The Code: 10 Proven Secrets that Motivate Healthy Behavior and Inspire Fulfillment in Men Over 50.” Read more from Louis on his website.
