By Jim Beasley

June is Men’s Health Month, with efforts made to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

Men’s Health Network and health care providers across the state encourage men to take time to detect and protect.

There are numerous illnesses that affect men specifically, and it’s important to either guard against them or receive the treatment necessary.

The Men’s Health Network provides a free resource that establishes a guide for healthy men and boys. Blueprint for Men’s Health covers topics ranging from consultation with your health provider, diet and nutrition, exercise and overall wellness, sexual health, prostate health, testicular cancer, emotional well-being, and problems associated with the heart.

The booklet even addresses some of the special health concerns for African-Americans, Latinos and other minorities.

Guys, the main message is this: talk with your health care provider and make time now to get the age-appropriate tests you need.

It’s that simple.

As it is with most illness, your chances of controlling or curing any health problem could hinge upon early detection. Get on the right path toward wellness. Information is key to helping yourself.