Since Father’s Day occurs in June, it is only fitting that June would also be Men’s Health Month.

Men’s Health Month was created to strengthen the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment. June gives health care providers, policy makers, media and individuals an opportunity to encourage men to seek regular healthcare advice and check-ups.

The Men’s Health Month organization said the response to the movement has been overwhelming with thousands of awareness activities in the U.S. and around the world.

Dr. David Gremillion of the Men’s Health Network said there is a “silent health crisis in America. It is the fact that, on average, American men live sicker and die younger than American women.”

He goes on to say that Men die at higher rates than women from nine of the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92 percent of workplace-related deaths.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that women are 100 percent more likely to visit a doctor for an annual examination and to use preventive services.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) claims that men need to focus on putting their health as a priority.

“We routinely put ourselves at high risk due to our jobs and lifestyle. Of special concern is the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of military service members returning from war zones and veterans. Their needs and the needs of their families must be addressed,” according to the ADPH release. “We encourage all men to step up to the challenge and be positive role models in their own families and communities by setting the example of eating right, exercising regularly and routinely getting medical checkups. Our families and friends rely on us to be there and to provide for them, but if we do not take the steps now to ensure that we live a long and healthy life, who will be there to care for our loved ones when we are gone?”

This month should be a time to reset priorities in a man’s health.

Take advantage of the services that are available to keep you well.