The top causes of death in American men are heart disease and cancer, and one of every six men in the U.S. will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

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.

For example, men are 24 percent less likely to go to the doctor than women, and even though a third of U.S. men have high blood pressure, less than half are doing anything about it.

June 12-18 is Men’s Health Week. It is a time to raise awareness of the preventable health issues facing men throughout our state and nation and to encourage all men to improve their health.

The week was kicked off on Blue Monday. On that day, residents all across Michigan supported the men in their lives by dressing in blue and men throughout our state participated by planning a day of exercise or healthy activity.

Regular exercise is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy and keep balanced. It can also give you the energy to meet any challenge and provide a positive example to your children about the importance of a lifetime of healthy habits.

Men’s Health Week is about promoting men’s health engagement, education and advocacy. 

It is also about knocking down the artificial barriers men put up and ensuring that men and their families throughout our state focus on their health.

As men, we focus so much on working hard to provide for our families -— often ignoring signs of a health problem.

Nearly 35 percent of men age 20 or older are obese. During Men’s Health Week — and throughout the year — it is important that we stop the excuses and take the steps to improve our health. It is the best way to ensure that we will be there for our families for years to come.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.