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Governor Martin O’Malley has issued a proclamation declaring the week that ends on Father’s Day, June 9-15, 2014, as Marlyand Men’s Health Week. This important awareness period is part of a national effort to celebrate fatherhood while helping to educate men, boys, and their families about disease prevention, medical screenings, and living healthy lifestyles.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of National Men’s Health Week. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Bob Dole and Congressman Bill Richardson and was signed by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994.

In Maryland, the life expectancy for men is five years fewer than for women. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men also have higher rates of death from cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports women nationwide are 100 percent more likely to visit their doctor for annual exams and preventative services than men.

“We applaud Governor O’Malley for helping raise awareness of the health issues facing men and their families by declaring June 9-15 Men’s Health Week in Maryland,” said Ana Fadich, Men’s Health Network (MHN) Vice President. “Men’s health is truly a family issue, impacting not only men but also the women in their lives. We hope that by promoting the health and well-being of men and boys around Father’s Day, they will take action and set a doctor’s appointment in June.”

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 http://www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork