KING COUNTY, WA - For National Men's Health Week (June 11-17), King County Executive Ron Sims and Public Health - Seattle & King County are urging men to improve their health by adopting new healthy activities, like healthy eating, exercise and not smoking.

"I challenge all men in King County to adopt at least one new healthy activity during Men's Health Week, and then maintain it," said Sims. "Choose something that you can accomplish, but also that pushes you a little."

"At least 50% of all deaths are associated with preventable factors, like cigarette smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, alcohol and motor-vehicle crashes," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "A few actions, like healthy eating and exercise, can go a long way in improving men's health and preventing disease."

In King County:

• The leading cause of death among men is heart disease.
• Men are more likely than women to be overweight.
• Men are more likely to die from a motor vehicle crash.
• Men are more likely to participate in binge drinking.
• Although there's been a significant decline in smoking among male adults, men are more likely to smoke.
• Men are about five times more likely to die from injuries due to firearms.

The following health recommendations will help all men improve their health and prevent disease:

• Eating a healthy and varied diet that is low in fat and high in fiber (please visit www.metrokc.gov/health/nutrition).
  
  
• Taking part in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.
  
  
• Drinking only in moderation.
  
  
• Quitting tobacco use and avoiding smoky places. (please visit www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco)
  
  
• Keeping handguns safely stored and locked.
  (please visit www.metrokc.gov/health/injury/firearms.htm)