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June 12, 2008
GOVERNOR DEJONGH PROCLAIMS MEN’S HEALTH WEEK IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of June 9-15, 2008, as "Men's Health Week" in the Territory, to draw attention to the importance of men and their families becoming more aware of men’s health needs, and to increase early detection and treatment of disease through regular medical checkups. It is important that men receive regular checkups for heart disease, eye exams, prostate, testicular and colon cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other prevalent diseases, because early detection and treatment of male health problems can save lives. Despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of six years less than women, and African-American men have the lowest life expectancy. Men’s health is truly a family issue because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters and sisters. It is also important that men and their families be provided with the necessary medical information to help them better understand men’s health problems and how to confront these problems with pro-active, preventive measures, and good health habits and a positive health attitude. Gov. deJongh urges all men to educate themselves on men’s health needs and health problems, and to have regular annual checkups. |
