Men of Jones County Enter a Better Health Zone

South Central Regional Medical Center recently held a men’s health fair at South Central Place. Men visiting the health fair received screenings for body fat, blood pressure, blood glucose, hearing, snoring, and grip strength. They also received a coupon for a free prostate screening provided by The Urology Clinic, P.A. During the health fair, a representative from South Central’s Wellness Center provided a golf swing analysis for attendees. Information was available on men’s health issues from the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Information also was provided on the topics of depression, diet, and exercise.

“This was so important because men tend to shy away from visiting the doctor as frequently as women and as a result put their health and longevity at risk,” says Karen Vanderslice, RN, Coordinator of Community Education for South Central Regional Medical Center. “By offering this program, we could contribute to affecting their behavior and ultimately make them more active participants in their own health maintenance.”

Lack of awareness, inadequate health education, and culturally induced behavior patterns contribute to the poor health status of men in America. Men die, on average, six years younger than women and have higher fatality rates than women for all 10 leading causes of death. For example, 50% more men than women die of lung and colorectal cancers and nearly twice as many men as women die of heart disease.

“We are confident that through consistent education and programs such as this, we will start to see a change in the overall health status of men,” continues Vanderslice.