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Brothers Reaching Brothers Men's Health Symposium

Brothers Reaching Brothers Men's Health Symposium

Brothers Reaching Brothers Men’s Health Symposium this Saturday, September 27

By Laura Savage
EPA.net Staff Writer

This weekend the Brothers Reaching Brothers Men’s Health Symposium is the place to be for information regarding men’s health. The African American Community Health Advisory Committee is hosting the program to promote healthy living in the African American and all minority communities. There will be free health screenings for those who qualify. In addition, there will be workshops covering cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and prostate health.

The event will take place this Saturday, September 27, 2008, at Henderson Auditorium, 100 S. San Mateo Drive in San Mateo from 8 AM to 2:30 PM. See the flyer for complete details.

There will be a complete prostrate cancer screening from from 8 AM to 9:45 AM.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States, hitting African Americans the hardest. Out of every 35,000 yearly diagnoses, 10,000 of these men will lose their battle with prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It is responsible for producing a clear alkaline fluid that is part of semen (the other part being sperm). This fluid is important because it ensures that sperm lives long enough after leaving the male reproductive parts to have a chance at fertilizing the female egg (for a chance at impregnation). So, to all you men out there, it is very important to stay healthy by getting screening as early as possible.

There will also be workshops on diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. According to the American Diabetes Association website, “diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn’t produce or use insulin properly.” Insulin is a hormone that helps convert starches, sugary foods and other foods into energy.

Ladies, don’t feel left out of the mix. There is a special workshop for women held by Shirley Manly Limpkin scheduled as well.

Although it’s being held in San Mateo, East Palo Alto residents have been a part of the planning process. Our own Meda Okelo and Dennis Parker are on the Health Advisory Committee. Recently I spoke with Dennis Parker regarding the importance of local men attending the symposium:

L.S.: What are the benefits to residents attending the symposium?
D.P.: Free health screening for diabetes, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disease. [You can] learn more about other health issues and available services.

L.S.: What is the goal of AACHAC in holding the symposium?
D.P.: [The goal is] to educate men (particularly African-American and other minority men) so that they can live longer and have a high quality of life [and] to teach women how to encourage their husbands and boyfriends to get check-ups and engage in healthy habits.

L.S.: What conversations do you expect to arise from this kind of health forum?
D.P.: Why do African-American and other minorities have a disproportionate rate of dying from the diseases mentioned above? What can you learn about risk factors by knowing more about your family history? What simple steps can be taken to reduce the risk?

L.S.: How can families promote healthy living across all generations?
D.P.: [Families can] have the kids eat at home and prepare their lunches, rather than eating out at fast-food places. [Also, they should] teach everyone how to read food labels [and they can] learn how to substitute food items that are healthy, but tasty enough for everyone to like.

L.S.: Is there anything else you want the readers to know?
D.P.: The attendees will be asked to make a commitment to one action step for their health that they will work on over the next month.

To register for your free prostate screening call (650) 696-4373 to guarantee your spot. Join other Bay Area men and women in taking a step to healthier life style. See you there!

Complete information on the event can be found on EPA.net at this link.

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