Helping connect minority men with physicians and health screenings
Did you know men lead women in 14 out of 15 leading causes of death? For African-American and Hispanic males, mortality and morbidity rates are even higher.
One way that Mercy Health is helping combat this health gap is through MAN UP!, our annual wellness expo for minority males. MAN UP!’s free, comprehensive health screenings help identify potential health issues at early and treatable stages.
“By hosting the MAN UP! men’s health expo, Mercy Health is addressing this health gap,” said Dr. Keith Melvin, a host of this year’s event. “I urge African American men in our community to take advantage of this free health event and register today.”
How health screenings make a difference
Over 600 men have taken screenings at previous MAN UP! Events. These screenings have resulted in early detection of 24 abnormal tests.
Additionally, the event has also connected 120 men with primary care doctors who did not previously have one, provided more than 70 with eyeglasses, and has also alerted many attendees to abnormal prostate and lung screenings warranting further investigation.
Mercy Health is hosting the third annual MAN UP! men’s health expo from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, August 3 at 1701 Mercy Health Place in Cincinnati.
“The screenings we’re providing at MAN UP! are vital, valuable and could ultimately help save someone’s life, especially when you consider that men are 100% less likely than women to have an annual physical exam,” Dr. Kent Robinson said.
In addition to free health screenings, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from College Hall of Famer, Herschel Walker, on the importance of men’s heath. A light meal and refreshments will also be provided.
Screenings available at MAN UP! include:
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart disease, kidney conditions and eye problems.
- Body fat: High percentages of visceral and subcutaneous fat are linked to cardiac disease, inflammatory diseases, diabetes and other health problems.
- Blood glucose: Everyone age 45 and older should be screened every three years to determine if they are at risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes.
- Cholesterol: High cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease, has no symptoms. The only way to detect it is through a blood test.
- Prostate: Prostate cancer can be found early through a blood test that measures a man’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The American Cancer Society recommends African-American men begin screening at age 45.
- Colon: Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.
- Vision: Routine eye exams can help detect glaucoma and chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Behavioral health: Behavioral health screenings are one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, which are common and treatable.
Health screenings are available from 5-7 pm. Admission is free but attendees must register in advance. Visit our website to register today.
