Fact: Men don't visit the doctor as often as women -- even though they're more prone to serious illness.

Fact: Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to die from heart disease, cancer and lung disease.

Fact: Three in four American men are overweight.

These are some of the facts that prompted the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to launch "Real Men Wear Gowns" -a campaign to get men more involved in their health care.

As a man, you can lead a longer, healthier life if you take steps to prevent disease. By taking steps to stay healthy, you also can be a great role model for your kids.

To know which steps to follow, visit the AHRQ Web site, which offers:

• recommended ages for medical tests,
• a quiz about preventive health care,
• tips for talking with your doctor,
• definitions for health terms, and
• links to sources for more information.

Your family and loved ones depend on you and want you around for as long as possible. So go ahead, put on that exam gown.