Blues team with Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford for National Men's Health Week

DETROIT, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is hosting the Men of Michigan Health Challenge with Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford as part of National Men's Health Week, taking place Monday, June 11, 2012 through Sunday, June 17, 2012. The challenge will include daily video announcements by Stafford at AHealthierMichigan.org, encouraging Michigan men to take simple steps to get healthy, such as scheduling an annual physical, visiting the dentist and getting fit with friends.

"Prevention and keeping your health a priority is extremely important," said Ken Dallafior, BCBSM senior vice president, Group Business and Corporate Marketing, and a former Detroit Lions football player. "Not paying attention to your health until you have a real problem can lead to serious, but preventable issues, including financial hardship, poor quality of life and, potentially, early death."

As part of the challenge, Michigan men will be asked to show how they've met Stafford's challenge by sharing a photo or story on the AHealthierMichigan.org Facebook page or on Twitter with hashtag #MenofMI. Men who share their photos or stories will qualify to win an official Detroit Lions football autographed by Stafford.

"Health was extremely important while playing professional football to ensure peak performance and avoid injuries," Dallafior continued. "Now, keeping my health a priority helps me manage my behavior and stay focused on my personal and business objectives off the field."

Men's health: By the numbers - According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in men, followed closely by cancer. Here are the top five causes of death for men: heart disease (25.7%); cancer (24.3%); unintentional injuries (6.6%); chronic lower respiratory diseases (5.1%); stroke (4.5%).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan