Posted: 11/10/2014
‘Eating for Life’ focus of the 12th annual community event
Regular medical care is a great way to help people live healthier, fuller lives. But when it comes to routine doctors’ visits and just generally taking care of themselves, men lag far behind women. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year.
To help men get better informed and to start on the road to a healthier life, Parkland Health & Hospital System, along with the Men’s Advisory Committee, is sponsoring the 2014 Men’s Health Conference. The 12th annual event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Dallas Public Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas, 75201. The Men’s Advisory Committee is made up of individuals and organizations interested in public health.
The theme of this year’s event is “Eating for Life,” and several of the activities will focus not only on education about healthy eating but also demonstrations on how to prepare nutritious food. Lunch also will be provided, all at no cost.
“Men should regularly participate in primary health care and have a regular examination throughout every decade of their lives,” said Noel Santini, MD, Medical Director of Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers. “Each decade brings on new health opportunities and by participating in regular check-ups, men are able to act on their health care concerns rather than react.”
The most common health conditions experienced by men include heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, low testosterone and cancer. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, killing 307,225 men in 2009 alone. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in U.S. males. The Prostate Health Guide of the Men’s Health Network reports that each year more than 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 30,000 will die from the disease.
The Men’s Health Conference will feature health seminars, screenings for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and prostate (PSA), body mass index, assistance with Affordable Care Act enrollment, and cancer education. Participants also will have the opportunity for consultations with medical providers.
“Through the various health screenings at the conference, men can get to know their numbers and discuss the significance of the results with a licensed medical provider,” said Ron Session, Senior Community Development Specialist at Parkland’s Garland Health Center and coordinator of the Men’s Health Conference. “We want to make men more informed about the importance of primary health care and annual exams.”
All sessions at the conference will be conducted in English and Spanish.
Parkland physicians provide the following health tips for males of all ages:
- Get to know your numbers and have them checked regularly by your medical provider based on your risk factors and clinical practice recommendations. This includes blood pressure, body mass index, triglycerides and cholesterol.
- Consume minimal amounts of salt, sugar and fat.
- Exercise regularly and control your weight.
- Have the recommended screening tests or exams for testicular, colon, prostate, skin cancers, etc.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Do not smoke.
For more information or to pre-register for the Men’s Health Conference, contact Ron Session at 214.266.0651, or send an email to community.services@phhs.org. Participants may also register at the door.