Better Health Website Publishing Opportunity Published May 26, 2015 Whiteman AFB, MO – Annually the Air Force Medical Service and other organizations around the nation observe Men’s Health Month in June and a targeted Men’s Health Week prior to and including Father’s Day. Traditionally, organizations have sought to raise awareness on health topics exclusive to men (prostate health, testicular cancer, hypogonadism, etc.). This year, I’d like to focus our collective attention on a key aspect relating to all these conditions, that of prevention! According to the Men’s Health Network (the lead organization for Men’s Health Month), “Because of poor health habits, lack of health insurance, failure to seek medical attention, and dangerous occupations, men live sicker and die younger than women.” While this might be statistically accurate, I challenge you to ensure this does not have to be true for you! As men we’ve adopted preventive measures in so many aspects of life outside ourselves – we’ve figured out proper lawn weed prevention measures, applied SAFER barriers to NASCAR track walls, and put an emergency kit in our trunk for the winter months. So, why can’t we acknowledge the relationship between poor habits and poor health? My challenge to you is to find one new thing this month to improve in your daily routine to move further towards optimal health and further away from additional health care. Consider not only the physical routine, but perhaps an upgrade to your mental, social, or spiritual fitness. Need ideas on what exactly to improve? Check out one of my favorite new resources, www.hprc-online.org and make a change towards better health! Mr. Brian Kirby, M.Ed. Health Promotion Director Whiteman AFB, MO