Governor Rick Perry issued a proclamation declaring June 10-16 Texas Men’s Health Week— the week leading up to Father’s Day— which is a special campaign to help educate men, boys and their families about the importance of positive health attitudes and preventive health practices. The proclamation encouraged Texas citizens to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and medical check-ups.

“Good health is one of life’s greatest blessings,” said Perry. “As we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day, I encourage all Texas men to recognize the importance of seeking preventative, timely and appropriate medical care. Let all of us – both men and women – remain mindful of the important role preventative medical care, daily exercise, a balanced diet and refraining from smoking can have in our lives and the lives of our loved ones.”

In preparation for Texas Men’s Health Week, health care professionals, private industry, faith-based organizations, community groups, insurance companies, and all other interested organizations and individual citizens, are invited to organize and plan for activities and events, which will focus on men’s health during the week of June 10-16. For ideas and open resources in both English and Spanish, visit www.nationalmenshealthweek.org and www.menshealthmonth.org.

“We’d like to thank Governor Perry for this kind gesture in promoting the health and well-being of men and boys in Texas,” said Ana Fadich, MHN Vice President. “We invite Texas residents to participate in this awareness campaign which aims at making families and communities stronger by improving the health of men and boys in America.”

National Men’s Health Week, sponsored by Senator Bob Dole and Congressman Bill Richardson, passed Congress and was signed into law by President Clinton, on May 31, 1994.

Men’s Health Week is organized 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.