It’s National Men’s Health Week

As we prepare to celebrate Father's Day this Sunday, we also commemorate, National

Men's Health Week. The week is aimed at heightening the awareness of preventable health concerns among men and boys. Ocean County Health Department Spokeswoman Leslie Terjesen said prevention could begin with something simple ... like sleeping.

"People don't realize how important it is to get a good nights sleep. You know, insufficient sleep certainly is associated with certain chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression," said Terjesen.

She also advises weekend warriors to use caution when working with power tools and power washers, climbing ladders and roofs and to always check for ticks. Terjesen said they see a lot of lyme disease cases in Ocean County.

"Especially men that work in landscaping. They really need to take the time to look for ticks. As soon as they're done with work, you know, they need to get in the shower, ask their spouses or partners to check where they can't see," said Terjesen

She also adds that many men tend to rely on the women in their lives to make their doctor's appointments for them but she said men need to take charge of their health. For starters, she advises uninsured men to sign up for affordable health insurance when the enrollment period restarts this fall.

"Men, they need to learn to take their health into their own hand and do something about it and realize that the research shows that we need to eat healthy, we need to exercise." She also said it's always a good time for men to quit smoking and to get vaccinated.

Terjesen said the Ocean County Health Department provides a number of vaccines, like the DTAP, Shingles, HPV and Flu.

National Men's Health Week continues through June 15th.