LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:
As summer unfolds, it is my pleasure to introduce our annual Men’s Health issue brimming with out – standing imagery and inspiring prose. Ben Moon, our ruggedly handsome cover star, sets the tone for this issue by sharing his daringly intimate story of pain and resilience and his deep connection to his furry sidekick, Denali. Ben’s photos, which were shot near his home in Oregon, reveal a different side of the acclaimed photographer: the artist as the subject. Ben proves once again that vulnerability and strength can be the best of companions.
Strength is inspiring, and this issue is flush with it. A favorite story of mine includes our piece on David Hysong, a young man who, frustrated with the lack of drugs available to fight his rare cancer, decided to found a therapeutics company specializing in just that (pg. 74). Our portrait series on meaningful cancer-related tattoos (pg. 36) is another feature teeming with boldness.
But lest we forget that with strength comes the necessary act of taking it easy some days, too. Summer is the perfect time to relax, renew or dip your toes into something new, and this issue is packed with perfect partners to your chill time. Grab a book (pg. 12), listen to music off of the cW Playlist (pg. 8), taste-test some healthy alternatives to your favorite summer sips (pg. 14) or explore something new like a CBD-enhanced soak (pg. 42).
While not exactly new—in fact, most of these practices are ancient—scientific validation in the form of recent studies highlights human interest in plant medicine or, what I call “earth medicine.” Intriguing examples we explore in this issue include Kambo rituals (pg. 49), horticulture (pg. 26) and gemstones (pg. 46). As these therapies that were once considered “fringe” continue to gain momentum and move into the mainstream, it is exciting to consider what the future holds. Whatever route you choose to explore, this summer is your oyster. Settle into the season of strength and solace you deserve.
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