Press Release

June 11 , 2012

 

Advancing Men’s Health: Taking Steps Toward Living Longer

National Men’s Health Week: June 11-17, 2012

CHICAGO – Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck is encouraging men statewide to recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and medical check-ups during National Men’s Health Week. This annual observance is celebrated during the week leading up to Father’s Day. The goal of National Men’s Health Week is to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and screening of disease among men and boys.

“Men’s Health Week is a great reminder to all men that we need to take our health seriously. If you are overdue for a checkup, take this week to schedule a visit with your doctor or to visit a healthcare facility or clinic for a general checkup.” said Dr. Hasbrouck. “Men frequently ignore symptoms and are reluctant to seek medical care until there is a crisis. Early detection and treatment is critical to staying healthy.”

Men have shorter life expectancies than women nationwide and in Illinois. Men also die at higher rates than women of the top 10 causes of death in Illinois, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, HIV/AIDS, homicide and other diseases. Men are less likely to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventative services – a pattern that must be reversed, Dr. Hasbrouck said.

Dr. Hasbrouck was a keynote speaker at the Men’s Health Week celebration at the Komed Holman Health Center in Chicago, reminding attendees to focus on solutions and work on removing barriers and facilitating access to care that keeps many men from going to the doctor.

Dr. Hasbrouck also reminds men that along with regular screenings and checkups, they should eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, reduce stress, keep alcohol consumption to moderate levels, and stop using tobacco.





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Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Phone 217-782-4977
Fax 217-782-3987
TTY 800-547-0466
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