Men’s Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Men in Grand Rapids, MI face many of the same health challenges seen across the United States, but local factors—like our cold winters, industrial work history, and lifestyle patterns—can increase certain risks. Understanding men’s health in West Michigan is the first step toward living longer, healthier lives.

Hospitals and health systems in Grand Rapids that offer specialized men’s health services include:

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) in downtown Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs

Why Men’s Health in Grand Rapids Matters

Men Have Higher Mortality Rates

Across the U.S. and here in Grand Rapids, men are more likely than women to:

  • Develop serious, chronic health conditions
  • Die earlier from many major diseases
  • Experience preventable complications because they delay care

For many non–sex-specific health problems (conditions that can affect both men and women), men die at higher rates. Nationally, for roughly every 2 women who die, 3 men die. This pattern is reflected in Michigan mortality data as well.

Boys and Young Men Are Also at Risk

These differences begin early. In deaths due to accidents or drowning, boys account for about 2 out of 3 deaths. In Kent County and across Michigan, unintentional injuries, motor vehicle crashes, and risky behaviors contribute significantly to male deaths in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.

Men and boys also tend to:

  • Visit the doctor less frequently
  • Spend less time during each visit
  • Wait until symptoms are severe or advanced before seeking help

Life Expectancy: Men vs. Women in Michigan

The United States ranks relatively high in global life expectancy, but American men— including those in Grand Rapids—still do not live as long as American women.

Certain groups of men have even lower life expectancy, especially when factors like race, income, disability, or gender identity (including transgender and intersex people) are considered.

Leading Causes of Death in Men

According to national data (similar patterns are seen in Michigan), the leading causes of death for men include:

  1. Ischemic heart disease (heart attacks, coronary artery disease)
  2. Cancers (especially lung, colon, and prostate)
  3. Stroke (cerebrovascular disease)
  4. Chronic lower respiratory diseases (like COPD)
  5. Diabetes
  6. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  7. Blood and lymph cancers, including leukemia
  8. Suicide

Some causes of death are sex-specific (for example, only men can get prostate cancer, only women can die from complications of childbirth). But men also outnumber women in many major non–sex-specific causes of death, such as:

  • Colon and rectal cancers
  • Lung and trachea cancers
  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Suicide

Why Are Men Less Healthy Than Women?

There is no single explanation, but several medical, social, and cultural factors come together—many of which are visible in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Healthcare System and Access

Historically, more healthcare dollars have been directed toward women’s reproductive health and children’s health than toward men’s preventive care. While this focus is important, it can leave men’s health needs under-addressed.

Practical barriers also play a role:

  • Clinic hours vs. work hours
    Many men in Grand Rapids work full-time or shift-based jobs in manufacturing, construction, logistics, and healthcare. Typical clinic hours often overlap with work schedules, making it harder to schedule appointments.

  • Clinic environment
    Waiting rooms often feature women’s magazines and children’s toys, subtly signaling that men’s health is not the primary focus.

  • Provider preference
    Many men—especially older men—prefer to see a male doctor for intimate or embarrassing concerns. However, their assigned primary care provider may be female, and some men delay care rather than discuss sensitive issues.

Local solution: Many Grand Rapids practices (Spectrum Health Medical Group, Trinity Health primary care, Metro Health clinics) now offer:

  • Extended hours or evening appointments
  • Virtual visits (telehealth)
  • Men’s health–focused clinics and urology practices

Work, Weather, and Risk in Grand Rapids

High-Risk and Physically Demanding Jobs

Men in West Michigan are more likely to work in:

  • Construction and skilled trades
  • Manufacturing and industrial jobs
  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Outdoor work such as landscaping and seasonal work

These jobs can be stressful, physically demanding, and sometimes dangerous, increasing the risk of:

  • Injuries and accidents
  • Long-term joint, back, and muscle problems
  • Exposure to chemicals, dust, or fumes

Michigan Winters and Heart & Lung Health

Grand Rapids’ cold, snowy winters and lake-effect weather can affect men’s health:

  • Shoveling snow in freezing temperatures can trigger heart attacks, especially in men with undiagnosed heart disease.
  • Cold air can worsen asthma, COPD, and other breathing problems.
  • Shorter daylight hours can contribute to seasonal depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is often underdiagnosed in men.

Masculinity, Culture, and Men’s Health

In many Western cultures, including the Midwest, men are encouraged to be:

  • Strong
  • Independent
  • Tough
  • Self-reliant

This can lead to:

  • Avoiding doctors or delaying care
  • Downplaying symptoms (“I’m fine,” “It’s nothing”)
  • Seeing help-seeking as “weak” or “unmanly”

Teen boys and young men may act as if they are invincible, engaging in behaviors such as:

  • Binge drinking or drug use
  • Reckless driving or not wearing seatbelts
  • Risky sports or stunts without proper safety gear

The “masculinity theory” suggests that if men felt less pressure to act tough and more freedom to care for their health, they might:

  • Schedule regular checkups
  • Talk openly about mental health
  • Seek help earlier for symptoms

Some researchers, however, point out that focusing only on masculinity overlooks other powerful factors like poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to care.

Socioeconomic Status, Employment, and Men’s Health

The Pressure of Being the “Breadwinner”

For many men in Grand Rapids, identity and self-worth are tied to work and providing for their families. When employment is unstable or lost, it can cause:

  • Intense stress and anxiety
  • Guilt and shame
  • Strain on relationships and family life

Men who move between low-wage or temporary jobs may feel especially vulnerable during periods of unemployment.

How Unemployment Affects Health

Unemployment and underemployment are linked with:

  • Higher rates of depression and anxiety
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
  • Poorer nutrition and reduced physical activity
  • Delayed or skipped medical care due to cost or loss of insurance

Men who feel in control of their lives—and who have stable work and support—are more likely to invest in their health.

Male Depression and Anxiety in Grand Rapids

How Common Is It?

About 1 in 8 American men will experience depression and about 1 in 5 will experience anxiety at some point in their lives. These numbers are likely similar for men in Grand Rapids and Kent County.

Yet men are less likely than women to:

  • Recognize their symptoms as a mental health concern
  • Talk about how they feel
  • Seek professional help

Health Risks Linked to Depression

Male depression is associated with an increased risk of:

  • Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke)
  • Diabetes
  • Substance use disorders
  • Suicide

Men often try to manage depression or anxiety by:

  • Drinking more alcohol
  • Misusing prescription medications or taking illicit drugs
  • Overworking or isolating themselves

These coping strategies usually make symptoms worse and raise the risk of serious physical health problems.

Suicide Risk in Men

National data show that men of all ages die by suicide at a higher rate than women. Risk is especially high for:

  • Teen boys and young men
  • Older men (particularly those who are isolated, widowed, or retired)

Warning signs can include:

  • Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Sudden changes in behavior, sleep, or mood
  • Increased substance use

If you or someone you know in Grand Rapids is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids).

High-Risk Men’s Health Groups in West Michigan

Certain groups of men in and around Grand Rapids may face higher health risks, including:

  • Men from racial and ethnic minority communities
  • Men living in rural areas of West Michigan
  • Men with low income or unstable housing
  • Men with disabilities
  • Men who are incarcerated or have a history of incarceration
  • Non-heterosexual men, including gay and bisexual men
  • Transgender and gender-diverse people
  • Recent immigrants and refugee communities

These groups may experience additional barriers such as discrimination, language differences, lack of insurance, or limited transportation.

Local organizations, including the Kent County Health Department, Grand Rapids Public Health programs, and community clinics (like Cherry Health and Catherine’s Health Center), offer targeted services and support.

Top Causes of Premature Death in Men

The major causes of early death in men (often before age 75) include:

  1. Ischemic heart disease (heart attacks and blocked arteries)
  2. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  3. Trachea and lung cancer (strongly linked to smoking and some workplace exposures)
  4. Cerebrovascular diseases (stroke)
  5. Chronic lower respiratory diseases (COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema)
  6. Prostate cancer
  7. Blood and lymph cancers, including leukemia
  8. Diabetes
  9. Colon and rectum cancer
  10. Suicide

Men are more likely than women to die from:

  • Suicide
  • Lung and trachea cancers
  • Blood and lymph cancers, including leukemia
  • Ischemic heart disease

The good news: Many of these conditions can be prevented, delayed, or better managed with earlier screening, lifestyle changes, and regular medical care.

Key Preventive Steps for Men in Grand Rapids

1. Build a Relationship with a Primary Care Provider

Schedule regular checkups with a family doctor or internal medicine physician at:

  • Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health clinics
  • Community health centers like Cherry Health or Catherine’s Health Center

Routine visits can help with:

  • Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening
  • Cancer screenings (colon, prostate, skin, lung when appropriate)
  • Vaccinations (flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus)
  • Mental health screening for depression and anxiety

2. Focus on Heart and Metabolic Health

To reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (walk along the Grand River, use local parks and trails, or join a Grand Rapids gym or rec center)
  • Quit smoking; seek help through Michigan Tobacco Quitline or local cessation programs
  • Limit alcohol use
  • Choose a heart-healthy diet (less fried food and processed meat, more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein)

3. Don’t Ignore Mental Health

If you notice changes in mood, sleep, appetite, energy, or interest in usual activities, talk to:

  • Your primary care provider
  • A counselor, therapist, or psychologist
  • Behavioral health programs at local hospitals

In Grand Rapids, mental health services are available through:

  • Spectrum Health and Trinity Health behavioral health programs
  • Network180 and community mental health providers
  • Private therapists and group practices

4. Use Local Public Health Resources

Kent County and Grand Rapids offer many men’s health resources, including:

  • Kent County Health Department – screenings, vaccinations, health education
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – community outreach and wellness programs
  • Community-based organizations focused on fitness, recovery, and support groups

Where Men in Grand Rapids Can Get Help

If you’re concerned about your health—or about a man in your life—reach out to:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor)
  • Local men’s health and urology clinics (through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health)
  • Community health centers (Cherry Health, Catherine’s Health Center)
  • Kent County Health Department for public health services and information

For mental health support:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988
  • Local hospital emergency departments (Spectrum Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • Behavioral health providers and community mental health services in Kent County

Key Points About Men’s Health in Grand Rapids

  • Men are more likely than women to develop serious health problems and die earlier from many major diseases.
  • Many men in Grand Rapids delay seeing a doctor and may wait until symptoms are severe.
  • Male depression and anxiety are common and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, substance use, and suicide.
  • Cultural expectations about masculinity, work pressures, unemployment, and poverty all affect men’s health.
  • Regular checkups, mental health support, and using local healthcare resources in Grand Rapids can significantly improve men’s health and life expectancy.

Taking care of your health is not a sign of weakness—it’s one of the strongest decisions you can make for yourself, your family, and your future.