Men's Health Month Raises Awareness of Importance of Preventive Care

Health is an important issue for everyone, as the nation is experiencing a startling rise in cases of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Studies have shown that men are less likely to seek medical attention, less likely to have insurance, and die earlier than women. June is National Men’s Health Month, set apart to encourage men of all ages to examine and improve their health habits.

This national focus on men’s health began when Senator Bob Dole sponsored a joint resolution for a National Men’s Health Week. The resolution was signed into law by President Clinton on May 31, 1994, for the week of June 12-19. The specific calendar week is the week before Father’s Day, but now the whole month of June is promoted as National Men’s Health Month.

The five leading causes of death among men are heart disease, cancer, accidents, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. A top ten list and links to information about these illnesses are located on the Alabama Department of Public Health website.

You can find much more information on the websites below:

Men’s Health Month

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Office of Minority Health

And don't forget the books!

Michelle Andrews
Government Documents
Central Library