LANSING —The Michigan Senate on Thursday approved a resolution sponsored by Sen. John Proos designating June 13-19 as Men’s Health Week and proclaiming June 13 as Blue Monday.

“Although more than half of all premature deaths among American men are preventable, most men do not put a high priority on their own health,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “For example, while a third of U.S. men have high blood pressure, less than half are doing anything about it.

“The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to raise awareness of the preventable health issues facing men throughout our state and nation and to encourage all men to get regular exercise and medical checkups in order to improve their health.”

Senate Resolution 192 says that the top causes of death in American men are heart disease at 25.4 percent and cancer at 24.1 percent, and that one of every six American men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Blue Monday is a day to kick off Men’s Health Week and promote men’s health engagement, education and advocacy.

“On Blue Monday, I encourage all Southwest Michigan residents who wish to support the men in their lives to dress in blue and for men to plan exercise or a healthy activity with their family to be a part of that day,” Proos said. “Regular exercise is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy, and it can also provide a positive example to your children about the importance of a lifetime of healthy habits.

“As men, we focus so much on working hard to provide for our families — often ignoring signs of a health problem. Men’s Health Week is about knocking down the artificial barriers and excuses men put up and ensuring that men and their families throughout our state focus on their health so we can be there for our families for years to come.”