For more information contact: Boonshoft School of Medicine, Judi Engle, Office of Public Relations, (937) 775-2951

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 1997

West Dayton Health Center
sponsors Men's Health Week

DAYTON, OHIO -- Improving healthy lifestyles for men of color is the focus of the second annual Men's Health Week at the Charles R. Drew/West Dayton Health Center, 1323 West Third Street in Dayton. The week-long series of free health screenings and educational programs begins Thursday, February 20.

"The leading causes of death in the United States -- heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, homicide and AIDS -- take a disproportionately high toll on men of color," says Joy Burgess, director of health promotion programs at the Center for Healthy Communities. "The risks for these diseases can be reduced by timely health screenings, health education and making healthy lifestyle changes."

All events during Men's Health Week are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Drew Health Center at 461-4336.

Thursday, Feb. 20 (11:00-7:00 p.m.): "Your Health is Your Wealth" features health screenings for blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL (the "good") cholesterol and blood sugar. A limited number of physical exams will be available for men who are uninsured or don't have a doctor (call 461-4336 for appointments).

Soul searching/stress counseling will be available from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 (6:00-8:00 p.m.): "Relaxing Your Body and Your Mind" includes a low-fat cooking demonstration by the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service, and massage therapy for men. Healthy food samples will be offered.

Thursday, Feb. 27 (12:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.): Health screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar will be repeated. Follow-up counseling will be provided to individuals who received physical exams. Medication counseling will be available; bring your medications for evaluation.

Men's Health Week is co-sponsored by Good Samaritan Hospital, Center for Healthy Communities, Combined Health District of Montgomery County, Reach Out of Montgomery County, Compunet Clinical Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc. These programs are partially supported by the American Heart Association and the Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

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