Men’s Health Week is designated as the week leading up to and including Father’s Day, June 15-21.  Men’s Health Week was started in 1994 to increase the awareness of preventable health problems in men and boys, and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases. This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals the opportunity to promote wellness among the men in our lives.

Men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92% of workplace deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control, women are more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men, with cancer and unintentional injuries following.

Men can take preventative action in keeping themselves healthy by doing the following:

1. Get regular physical check-ups. Regular exams and screening tests can find problems early when the chances for treatment and cure are greatest.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains daily. Limit foods high in sugar, fat and salt. Limit alcohol intake. Maintain a healthy weight.
3. Don’t smoke or use tobacco. The use of tobacco products increases your chances of cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases and peripheral artery disease.
4. Be active. Physical activity helps to maintain weight, reduce high blood pressure and reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke and several forms of cancer. It also helps reduce arthritis associated pain, reduce risk of osteoporosis and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
5. Get immunized. Immunity from vaccines received in childhood can wane over the years. Check with your primary care provider to see if you need booster doses of any vaccines.
6. Protect yourself and your family. Wash your hands often, wear a seat belt when riding in or driving a vehicle and wear a helmet when biking.
7. Manage stress. Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, make time to relax, balance work with family time and time for leisure, fun activities.

The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department would like to remind the men of our community and the surrounding area of the services that are available to them and their families. We currently offer low cost blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, blood sugar checks, B-12 shots (with MD order), TB testing, TB treatment (with MD order), adult and children immunizations and STD testing.

For questions about immunizations or other health related issues, please call the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department at 325-646-0554, or come by 510 East Lee Street in Brownwood.