Texans Asked To Wear Blue For Men’s Health June 14

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) has asked Texans to wear blue June 14 to commemorate National Men’s Health Week and honor those who have overcome health challenges. The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys, HHS said in a news release. This year Men’s Health Week is June 10 through Father’s Day, June 16.

“We want all Texans to make their health and well-being a priority. This week is about encouraging our sons, brothers, fathers and friends to step up and make time for their health,” Texas Health and Human Services executive commissioner Courtney N. Phillips said in the news release. “It’s so important for men and boys to go to the doctor routinely, take care of their mental health, and work on building healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”

In Texas, 18 percent of adult men report fair or poor health status, compared with 17 percent nationwide; 27 percent of adult men report poor mental health status, compared with 30 percent nationwide, HHS said. Heart disease, cancer and diabetes are among the leading causes of death, and colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and Texas. Diabetes disproportionately impacts men and minority groups; 12.4 percent of Texas men have diabetes, compared with 10.1 percent of Texas women, HHS added.