By Beatriz Palmer, Community Reporter
Every June, Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month invite us to reflect on the role fathers and father figures play in shaping our families and communities. For many Latino families, fatherhood is deeply tied to sacrifice, resilience, culture, tradition, and at times, generational trauma.
While my own father was not the ideal healthy father figure, he contributed deeply to my sense of cultural identity. He was a great cook, panadero, and mechanic, and was one of the best cumbia and merengue dancers. Some of my fondest childhood memories are centered on fiestas en familia y comunidad—loud music, laughter, storytelling, kids running through backyards. But many of those memories were also intertwined with unhealthy coping patterns that many Latino families normalized across generations.
Today, many Latino fathers, including in my family, are actively working to rewrite those narratives. Four men in my family embody fatherhood beautifully— my husband of 33 years, my youngest brother Esteban Jr., my brother-in-law Paul, and my son John. They all work hard to support their families but make time to be emotionally present for them. They cook, clean, help with homework, and share parenting and chore responsibilities. They are helping dismantle harmful ideas of machismo that taught generations of Latino men their value existed only through financial provision, strength, emotional silence, and dominance. Instead, they are modeling a different kind of strength—one grounded in partnership, gentleness, accountability, and presence.
Many men in our community have described fatherhood as carrying a deep responsibility to provide, protect, and lead by example. Talking openly about emotions has felt difficult because vulnerability was rarely modeled for them growing up. Some are still learning how to be fathers because they grew up without one, or without one being present.
Yet the common thread is undeniable: They love their children deeply and want the very best for them. That kind of love deserves self-care.
June is Men’s Health Month, a reminder that Latino men continue facing disproportionate rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stress-related illness, and delayed healthcare access. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 45.1% of Hispanic men age 20 and older have high blood pressure, one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health reports that Hispanic adults are 30% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults.
The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among Latino men, while prostate cancer continues to be one of the most diagnosed. Yet many men delay screenings because of fear, stigma, lack of insurance, or language barriers.
One of the greatest gifts of fathers and father figures is their continued presence by adopting self-care practices. It can mean scheduling annual checkups, monitoring blood pressure, going to the dentist, talking openly about stress, prioritizing rest, seeking therapy, or simply asking for help when life feels heavy.
Too many Latino men fear missing work, losing wages, appearing weak, or burdening others with their emotions. But they do not have to carry everything alone. Families thrive when communication, partnership, vulnerability, and collective care are normalized. Children benefit when they see men express affection, tenderness, and self-care without shame. This Father’s Day, perhaps we can normalize love letters to fathers with gentle reminders.
Make the appointment, get the check-up, take care of your heart, talk about your stress, and ask for help if you need it. Because the greatest gift fathers can give us is their continued presence in our life.
Here in North County San Diego, community health centers accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and many other health insurance plans. Some may offer sliding fee scales and payment options, Spanish-language services, and culturally affirming care regardless of immigration status.
For generations, many Latino men were taught that love looked like strength and sacrifice alone. Today, many fathers are rewriting that narrative to include healing, emotional presence, and tenderness. It may become one of the most powerful legacies they leave behind.
Local Clinics
True Care 760-736-6767
Vista Community Clinic 844-308-5003
Neighborhood Healthcare 1-833-867-4462
