FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 17, 2015) -- It's true: men are more likely than women to suffer the negative health effects of preventable diseases than women are.

Men also die younger than women, on average. By the age of 100, women outnumber men eight to one, according to the Men's Health Network.

In an effort to better address health issues facing men, Benning Martin Army Community Hospital and the U.S. Army Medical Command are observing Men's Health Month in June to heighten the awareness of men's health risks and encourage prevention and appropriate screening.

"We've learned that health starts with adequate sleep, regular physical activity and good nutrition. This is the Performance Triad - sleep, activity and nutrition - and it applies to men, women and children," said Col. Timothy Caffrey, chief, Department of Primary Care, BMACH. "If we are able to get men thinking along those lines, we'll make some significant strides toward improving men's health overall."

Regular consultation with your health-care team is a way to take charge of your overall health.

At a wellness consultation, patients can review their health status and goals with their primary care manager and discuss recommended screenings and strategies for achieving and maintaining health.

Martin Army has made significant investments to give patients access to a broad range of resources supporting the Performance Triad and preventive health strategies.

Today, patients have access to dieticians, diabetic educators, clinical pharmacists, nurse care coordinators, behavioral health coaches and others - all embedded within Primary Care, Caffrey said.

"We've built a team whose job is to keep people well and out of the hospital," Caffrey said. "Our goal is to empower people to understand what influences their health and make better decisions."

To access the health care team at BMACH, call 762-408-CARE (2273) or visit www.relayhealth.com.

For a list of checkup and preventive health screening guidelines for men, visit http://www.menshealthnetwork.org