Hundreds of Events and Activities Mark The Celebration of Men's Health Month in June

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National health leaders and local communities celebrate and promote June as Men's Health Month, which is a special awareness period to help educate men, boys and their families about the importance of positive health attitudes and preventive health practices.

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"We advocate and promote the health and well-being of men and boys in America and worldwide year around. However, the month of June highlights our mission the most, as many more organizations and groups of individuals turn their attention to the health of men and boys," said Ana Fadich, MHN Vice President. "We invite all men to take advantage of the many health screenings and other health directed activities, which are taking place in June in their communities -- if not for their own sake, then out of love and care for their families -- healthier men lead to stronger and happier families."

Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men's Health Month is celebrated across the country and around the globe with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. Community outreach workers, faith leaders, and healthcare providers will be working to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.

"Much more needs to be done by providers to help motivate boys and men to engage in their health, and Men's Health Month in June is the best time to begin to reach them with health-awareness messages and programs," said Salvatore J. Giorgianni, Jr., PharmD, Chair, Men's Health Caucus Constituency of the American Public Health Association and Science Advisor, Men's Health Network. "Men's Health Network has many resources available to help you develop programs and inform boys and men about their health. To help prevent many of the medical conditions that lead to premature death it is imperative for the boys and men of our nation to become more knowledgeable about health strategies and to take charge of their own wellness and health care."

In preparation for Men's Health Month, health care professionals, private corporations, faith-based organizations, community groups, government agencies, insurance companies, and other interested organizations are organizing and planning activities and events which will focus on the health of men and boys during the month of June. For ideas and resources in both English and Spanish, visit www.menshealthmonth.org . Governors of the states and mayors of many major cities issue proclamations during this month. Men's Health Month is sponsored by AbbVie, Auxilium, Pfizer, and Men's Health Network.

"Men -- especially men of color -- live shorter, less healthy lives than women, but it doesn't have to be that way," said Armin Brott, nationally syndicated columnist and radio host of "Positive Parenting", who also edits the popular blog,  TalkingAboutMensHealth.com . "Guys are often so concerned with taking care of their family that they neglect their own health. To prevent any illnesses and ensure you'll be around longer to take care and provide for those you love go and get checked in June."

Men's Health Month (www.menshealthmonth.org) is promoted by Men's Health Network (MHN), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, 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. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and facebook.com/menshealthnetwork

SOURCE Men's Health Network