National Men’s Health Week - Get in the game!

National Men's Health Week is June 15–21, 2009. The purpose of the observance is to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage the early detection and treatment of health problems affecting men.  

Despite advances in medical technology, men continue to live an average of seven years less than women. Significant numbers of male related health problems such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and colon cancer, could be detected and treated if men had an increased awareness of these problems.

Approximately 57 percent of King County employees are men. During National Men's Health Week we encourage you to make your health a top priority by taking steps to improve your physical and mental health and lower your risk of certain diseases.

Here are some simple steps you can take to lead a longer, healthier, and happier life.

• Schedule a check-up.
  Exams, screenings, and vaccinations can help you stay healthy. Take the time to get a check-up and encourage a family member or friend to do the same. Most preventive care including colonoscopies (age 50+), immunizations, and routine health exams are covered by your health care benefits.
• Record your family health history.
  Knowing your family health history can help you take steps to lower your risk for developing health problems. Keep track of what you learn by using a Personal Health Record and share the information with other family members.
• Become a better health care consumer.
  According to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, women make the majority (85 percent) of health care decisions for their families. Better equipping men with information about disease risk factors, prevention, treatment, and quality services is vital for making the best health care decisions. Check out the Logon and Learn web page for a variety of helpful links.
• Read the Blueprint for Men’s Health.
  From the non-profit Men’s Health Network, the Blueprint for Men’s Health focuses on the main health conditions affecting men. This easy to read guide discusses the factors that increase health risks, how to recognize symptoms, and gives practical prevention strategies.
• Test your knowledge.
  Knowing is half the battle. Take this brief quiz to increase your knowledge about men’s health issues.
• Listen and learn.
  Listen to podcasts from the Centers for Disease Control on a variety of topics related to men’s health. Most are five minutes or less.
• Send a health-e-card to encourage healthy living.
  Choose a card for Father’s Day or other occasions throughout the year and encourage the men in your life to make a change for the healthier.
• Take the Pledge 
  It is time to put you at the top of your priority list. Take a minute to make a contract with yourself. Print out the King County Men’s Health Week Pledge,  sign it, and post it someplace where you will see it each day.  Then start taking steps toward a healthier and happier you!