You probably know what kind of oil goes into your car–and it’s always the best quality possible. Can you say the same about the food you put into your body?

June is Men’s Health Month and a good time to check your oil as–in your own personal health.

If you’re not eating fruits and vegetables or getting daily physical activity, you probably need a tune-up.

There’s a well-established link between healthy lifestyles–including eating lots of fruits and vegetables and being active–and better health. Fruits and vegetables have many vitamins and nutrients we need to lower our risk for many deadly diseases. Most black men don’t eat enough of them.

Black men have the highest rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and many cancers–these diseases are all related to eating habits.

The National Cancer Institute recommends that men eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day for better health.

Easier said than done, right? Wrong. One serving fits in the palm of your hand. It’s easy to eat 2 to 3 servings at a time. Nine servings–and the benefits–add up quickly; eat fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Eating more fruits and vegetables has helped me lose weight, lower my blood pressure, and I feel great.

For me, 9 A Day is easy. I plan a little … fruit with breakfast, fresh fruit to snack on at work, a big salad with lunch and at least 2 helpings of vegetables with dinner.

Give your body the care you give your car–eat 9 A Day and be more active. To get your oil checked, visit www.9aday.cancer.gov and take a new “healthstyle” quiz for men. You’ll get your personal “healthstyle” and practical tips to get started.

Summer means there are plenty of tasty fruits and vegetables around. Pick up some and get started today!

Dr. Terry Masson is the chief of urology at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, the Director of the Center for New Life and the Midwest regional Chair of the National Black Leadership Cancer Control Network.