MESSAGE FROM DR. RAMOS

June is here, which means we're almost halfway through the year, a time when many Californians come together to celebrate our dads, graduates, and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community.

Congratulations to anyone personally graduating as well as those who have been on the journey of someone else's scholastic achievement. Whether it's preschool, college or beyond, let's honor their educational growth and perseverance.

This past Sunday, we had the opportunity to honor the fathers, father figures, and caregivers who lift up our families and communities with strength, love and resilience. Happy Father’s Day to all who nurture and protect—your impact matters deeply. Remember, especially during Men's Health Month, that helping care for dads can include making appointments for their health or simply giving them the time, space, and support to prioritize their wellbeing.

In celebration of the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month, we reaffirm the importance of equity, inclusion, and well-being for all. Pride is a reminder of the ongoing need to address health disparities, promote mental health, ensure access to affirming care, and create safe, supportive environments.

In this issue of the Strong Start & Beyond monthly newsletter, we spotlight men's health month, opportunities for dads, LGBTQ+ maternal health resources and more. Let’s continue together in health.

Juntos en salud,

Dr. Diana Ramos

California Surgeon General

Men's Health Month

Some health issues are unique to men, and some of the health issues that affect both men and women can affect men differently. Men of every age and background need to be mindful of caring for their health. From knowing the importance of what screenings are necessary at each age to health issues impacting men most often, it is essential to stay informed.

While there's often a strong focus on men’s physical health, including fitness, annual checkups, and heart health, mental well-being is equally as important. Empower yourself and the men in your life to make both mental and physical health a priority this June and beyond.

Men's Health & Wellness

These resources from the California Department of Public Health will provide you with the tools you need to be the healthiest you, at every phase of life.

Men's Mental Health

Men deserve the full range of human emotions — and the support to navigate them. Prioritizing mental health can lead to a healthier individual, family & community!

NEW: Preconception Diet Quality Trajectories & Food Parenting Among Fathers

A new study presented at the American Society for Nutrition conference highlights the powerful, long-term influence of fathers’ teenage eating habits on their children's diets. Researchers found that men who adopted healthier diets during adolescence were significantly more likely to model positive eating behaviors and monitor their kids' food choices years later. These dads were 90% more likely to demonstrate healthy eating and 60% more likely to keep an eye on their children’s intake of unhealthy foods. As a result, their young children were more likely to consume the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables. The findings, based on data from 669 men who were followed from their teen years into fatherhood, suggest that investing in boys' nutrition during adolescence can have lasting, intergenerational benefits—potentially helping to combat childhood obesity and improve dietary habits for future generations.

Take Pride in Your Health 🏳️‍🌈

Pride Month is an annual celebration of our diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should live a healthy life as their true authentic self.

In California, maternal health resources are available for all mothers & pregnant people, including individuals & families part of the LGBTQ+ community.

If you are thinking about getting pregnant, just found out you are pregnant, just gave birth, or even a family member, there are services available to assist you in this new journey.

Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA)

The Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA), also available in Spanish, is a quick, 8-question quiz that’s all about you—your health, your goals, and your future. It’s not complicated or overwhelming—just a simple check-in to help you understand how your current health might impact a future pregnancy.

Share, repost, and disseminate the quiz today! Leave a few at your local grocery store, laundromat, or beauty shop. Drop off a few in a local library or community center. Leave the questions, add a local resource, and help us get PreMA into the hands of those who need it.

PARTNER CORNER

Meet First 5 California

First 5 California supports early education and health programs, services & resources, specifically for young children prenatal through age 5 and their families. First 5 Dads is an initiative that focuses on encouraging and supporting fathers to take an active role in their children's early development. Recognizing that involved dads contribute to better emotional, social, and academic outcomes for kids. First 5 Dads offers resources like parenting workshops, father-focused events, and peer support groups to empower fathers with the tools and confidence they need to build strong, nurturing relationships with their children from birth to age five.

Congrats to the class of 2025 🎓

Last month, California Surgeon General Dr. Diana E. Ramos had the honor of giving a commencement address at the UC Davis School of Medicine's graduation ceremony.

Congrats again to all the graduates at UC Davis entering the medical field. Your efforts will help us to continue improving the health and well-being of all Californians.

Also, congratulations to every Californian part of the class of 2025! Your hard work and dedication to reach this milestone deserves all the recognition. You did it!

Opportunities & Community Updates

Orange County offers two great programs for dads that are helpful for any father, whether he is a new dad or has been a dad for many years:

Welcome to DAD-U: a Crash Course for New and Returning Dads: DAD-U fatherhood program offers education, training, and support to help men become “Dedicated and Devoted” fathers.

Team Dad: Empowering Men to Become Nurtures & Role Models for Strong Families! The fatherhood program offers education, training, and support to help men become the responsible, engaged, and empowered fathers their children need them to be.

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST

California Maternal Health Task Force Launch Event

The California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative is launching the California Maternal Health Task Force (CA MHTF) on Friday, June 27 from 11:30AM-1 PM PDT. Register now for the virtual webinar that will share an overview of the CA MHTF’s Strategic Plan and Subcommittee areas of focus, with opportunities for engagement & feedback.

Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos (Audio Series)

Stay tuned for the next episode of our new audio series, and the first in Spanish, coming soon on gestational diabetes with Bertha Pérez-Sánchez. In case you missed it, two episodes are available now on our YouTube channel with Dr. Afshan Hameed on cardiovascular & maternal health and Dr. Sharief Taraman on maternal & child health and health innovation.

Have suggestions on collaboration or interested in being featured in an upcoming newsletter or other communication channel? Contact us for consideration at strongstartandbeyond@osg.ca.gov.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

FEEDBACK

PARTNER WITH US