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Hampton Roads native hopes his health journey inspires other men to seek help

June is Men's Health Month, which hopes to encourage men and boys to be proactive about their health and lifestyles.

NORFOLK, Va. — For many men, their health is a taboo topic.

It's a conversation Brenten Sims says doesn't happen enough in male circles. 

"Really what I hear from a lot of men is the fear of being honest and the fear of how they will be perceived when they are honest about things that have happened or are currently happening in their lives," Sims told 13News Now.

June is Men's Health Month, encouraging men and boys to be proactive about their health. 

Studies show men are less likely than women to go to the doctor, get preventative screenings, and seek timely medical care. They are also less likely to ask for help with their mental health.  

"I knew I was at a point in my life where I needed help, and if I needed help, then I knew some of the men around me needed help as well," Sims said. 

Sims, who lives in Norfolk, is trying to change the stigma. 

Inspired by his health journey, he launched Black Boy Joy Fest, an organization dedicated to connecting men of color with resources that promote healing and wellness.

They share with other men through free yoga classes, health workshops, and their newest project, a monthly podcast called, I See You Bro.

"And we have conversations about what men of color generally don't talk about (such as) our relationships with our parents," Sims said. "What does masculinity look like? What does healthy sexuality look like? What does it look like to have a relationship with your doctor or your dentist?" 

Sims says too many men feel as if they can't share what's going on with them. 

But he encourages his peers to open up and talk about their health before it's too late. 

"I would tell them to keep going, that their lives matter, and to be their biggest supporter and to advocate for themselves in whatever space because they are counting on them and we are counting on them," he said. 

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