Secretary of Health Reminds Men to Focus on Their Wellbeing During Nat'l Men's Health...

Secretary of Health Reminds Men to Focus on Their Wellbeing During Nat'l Men's
Health Week

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department
of Health is recognizing National Men's Health Week, an initiative to heighten
the awareness of preventable health problems and to encourage early detection
and treatment of disease among men and boys. The observance is June 9 - 15,
leading up to and including Father's Day.

"Men need to become more aware of their health and health care needs," said
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Calvin B. Johnson. "The fact remains that
men, on average, die six years earlier than women and yet, so many of the
health risks they encounter are preventable and treatable if diagnosed early
through testing and screening."

According to research by the National Men's Health Network, men have higher
rates of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and suicide. Men are also less likely
to adopt healthy behaviors, such as good eating habits, and they often show
great reluctance in seeking help for physical or psychological problems or
participating in screening programs.

Screening tests can find diseases early, which is important because it makes
treatment easier and there's a greater chance of a full recovery. Some common
screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer
and prostate cancer.

Dr. Johnson encourages men to talk to their doctor about which tests are most
appropriate and how often they should be performed.

To learn more about the Department of Health and its services, visit
www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.

CONTACT:Stacy Kriedeman
(717) 787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Stacy Kriedeman of Pennsylvania Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783