Made a national holiday in 1972, Father’s Day is essentially a celebration of fatherhood and the contributions fathers have made to their children’s lives. Like mothers, fathers also have a great influence over their children’s development as they grow up. In fact, a 2012 study found that a father’s love has just as much if not more of an effect on a person`s personality as motherly love. But Studies also found out New findings concerning their Health. Higher Health Risks Past research has found that fatherhood comes with many health benefits, including reduced risk of dying from heart-related illness and better mental well-being. However, depending on the age of becoming a father for the first time, fatherhood can also pose perils later in life. A 2015 study found that men who have children before the age of 22 have a higher midlife mortality than those who have children later, around 25 to 26. Specifically, young fathers had a 26 percent higher risk of dying in middle age than dads who were 25 or 26 when they had their first child. Furthermore, the study found that first-time dads between ages 30 and 44 had a 25 percent reduced risk of an earlier death than young dads at 25 or 26. Another study of siblings found similar results. Men who became fathers by 22 were 73 percent more likely to die prematurely than their brothers who became fathers at 25 or 26. Emotional Health The mental well-being of fathers-to-be be can play a huge role in the health and development of their children. A study released earlier this year found that men with a history of depression are more likely to have a premature baby, defined as being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Specifically, depressed fathers were 38 percent more likely to have a premature birth between 22 and 31 weeks. Premature infants have a greater risk of developing a large number of health conditions later on in life, including childhood leukemia and depression. Previous studies have also suggested that paternal depression and stress can affect sperm quality, the DNA of the infant, and placental function. A Dad`s Behavior and Testosterone Levels No one wants to see someone they love in pain. The same goes for fathers and their offspring. A 2015 study out of the University of Michigan found that fathers` testosterone levels declined after seeing their 12-month-old infants in distress. Researchers believe these hormonal reactions can predict a father’s sensitivity, or whether he’s a gentle nurturer of his child. However, factors like his relationship with the mother, his natural empathy, and the gender of the baby also mattered. For example, the study found that female infants received more gentle nurturing than boys. Read more at: https://forum.facmedicine.com/threads/fathers-day-2016-5-new-things-weve-learned-about-dads-mental-health.24656/