PEORIA – On behalf of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, Dick Kay, Special Advocate for Healthcare for the State of Illinois, today teamed up with the Peoria Chiefs to launch the Step Up to the Plate campaign.  This new awareness initiative will help get the word out about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.  During Men’s Health Week, men and boys are encouraged to check out the new men’s health Web site www.illinois.gov/menshealth and Step Up to the Plate.

“Men today face many health and wellness issues, and it’s important they take the time to visit their doctors for a checkup,” said Gov. Blagojevich.  “The outcome of prostate cancer, as well as many other health conditions, depends on early detection and treatment.  That’s why it is important for men and their families to be aware of available screening options and other necessary information.”

Here are some health statistics that men may not be aware of:

·        On average, men live six years less than women

·        1 in 4 men has high blood pressure

·        1 in 5 men can expect to have a heart attack before the age of 65

·        1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer

·        1 in 12 men can expect to develop diabetes

·        1 in 22 men will suffer from depression some time during his life

The goal of the Step Up to the Plate campaign is to reduce these numbers, by promoting awareness of men’s health issues.  The men’s health Web site, www.illinois.gov/menshealth includes information about getting screened, self checkups, the top 10 diseases that affect men, tips for healthy living, frequently asked questions, and additional resources.

“Men don’t always take care of their health the way they should.  I’m here with the Peoria Chiefs to encourage men to take time to go to the doctor, get a checkup and make sure they’re taking care of their health,” said pitcher Chris Siegfried.  “The new men’s health Web site is making the information we need to stay healthy available and every man should take advantage of it.”

Prostate cancer is a primary focus of the campaign.  It is the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in American men.  The American Cancer Society estimates that about 186,320 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2008 and approximately 28,660 men will die of prostate cancer.  The Illinois State Cancer Registry estimates approximately 8,340 new cases will be diagnosed in Illinois during 2008 and 1,330 men will die from it.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer.  Prostate cancer accounts for about 9 percent of cancer-related deaths in men.

Approximately 15 years ago, George Melton was diagnosed with prostate cancer after having blood work done as part of an annual physical exam offered by Caterpillar.  His bottom line – get tested.

“There are contributing factors that are out of men’s control.  Things like your relatives; if you have a history of prostate cancer in your family makes a difference.  Race; prostate cancer is more common in black men.  And, age; the older you get the more likely you are to have prostate cancer.  All of these things are out of your control, but you need to find out if prostate cancer is there or not.  Getting tested is within your control.  Get tested.”

“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue.  Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue,” said Dick Kay.  “Educating the public and health care providers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection of male health problems will help to reduce rates of mortality from disease, improve overall health and save healthcare dollars.”

The men’s health campaign is an effort to raise awareness and inform men and their families about some common health problems they may face, and to encourage them to take advantage of early screening and follow-up.  For more information, log onto www.illinois.gov/menshealth  and Step Up to the Plate.