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Join Men's Health Network in Celebration of Men's Health Month

Posted on: Friday, 29 May 2009, 08:49 CDT

WASHINGTON, May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- June is Men's Health Month and groups across the country and around the globe are joining Men's Health Network (MHN) in celebration of this awareness period. The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

The month is anchored by National Men's Health Week, June 15-21, the week ending on Father's Day, a special awareness period recognized by Congress each year, and signed into law by President Clinton in 1994. Additional support comes from the more than 45 governors who declare Men's Health Week in their states.

Men's Health Month is celebrated with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. These events help ensure a healthier future for men and their families. For a partial listing of events, visit: http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/calendar.htm.

"While men continue to live sicker and die younger," Scott Williams, Vice President for MHN explained, "awareness and outreach efforts like those conducted in June reach men and their families where they live, work, play, and pray."

Mark Pitts, President of Urban Music for Zomba Label Group (ZLG) said, "I'm blessed to be able to give back and be a part of the men's health initiative. Since being diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, my life has definitely changed but I am now stronger than before and am giving back to help inspire not only those around me but others on a global level. Men's Health Network is important because they are helping men understand how important it is to be proactive about keeping up on our healthcare and not just for ourselves but for our families and communities; I hope I can be an example to many young men through my support of MHN."

Additionally, Men's Health Network has developed a new program called Wear BLUE, designed to raise awareness and educate men, women, and their families of the need to end the silent crisis in men's health. Workplaces, community groups, places of worship, and others are encouraged to host a Wear BLUE event in their community. Information, tools, and resources can be found at www.wearblueformen.com.

Health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals can use Men's Health Month and the Wear BLUE program to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease. In celebration of Men's Health Month, MHN is launching a number of larger awareness campaigns including ones focused on fibromyalgia, incontinence, fertility, bladder cancer, uninsured issues, public service announcements, and prostate health.

"With prostate, cardiovascular, mental, and other health issues adversely impacting the lives of our men, awareness periods like this help end the silence surrounding men's health and make it OK for men and boys to talk and take action about their health," shared Theresa Morrow, Program Director for Women Against Prostate Cancer (www.womenagainstprostatecancer.org).

"This Father's Day we all should try to help the men we love take charge of their health. MHN has resources and programs that can help them do that," added Dr. S. J. Giorgianni, Asst. Professor Pharmacy, Belmont University School of Pharmacy, Nashville.

For interviews or to learn more about Men's Health Month contact info@menshealthweek.org or 202-543-6461x101 or visit us online at www.menshealthmonth.com.

Men's Health Network (www.menshealthnetwork.org) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation.

SOURCE Men's Health Network

Source: PR Newswire

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