Dear Illinois Men,
Men's health is not just a man’s issue; it is a family issue. Like many families, my two daughters and wife count on me.
Whether it is playing with Amy and Annie in the park, driving them to a friend’s house, or helping Patti, my health affects my family.
I take care of myself so I can be there for them and it is important for all Illinois men to be healthy for the important people in their lives.
In the 1920’s, men had the same life expectancy as women, but since then it has dropped in comparison to them.
Men are at a greater risk for several of the top killers of Americans: heart disease, cancer, suicide, accidents and violence. One in every five men
can expect to suffer a heart attack before the age of 65. Additionally, in 2008, there will be an estimated 8,340 new cases of prostate cancer in Illinois
and an estimated 1,330 men will die of this disease. However, more than half of premature deaths among men are preventable.
That is why I signed legislation that forms an Office of Men’s Health. This is a one-stop shop in the Department of Public Health to ensure that men’s
health needs are assessed and treatment methods and programs are recommended to service providers, organizations, and other agencies. This office will also provide
awareness of men’s health concerns and opportunities for men to express their views on policy development, program implementation and the coordination of services for men.
As a personal plea to fellow Illinois men, take care of yourself better than you take care of your car, schedule a physical exam if you haven’t had one lately and tell
your doctor about your family medical history. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved ones for years to come. Do it for your sons, daughters, wives, sisters,
family and friends. They are counting on you.
Take a look around the website and email DPH.MensHealth@illinois.gov for more information.
Make men’s health a top priority in your life today.
Sincerely,
Rod R. Blagojevich
Governor
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