The impact of many men’s health issues can be lessened through routine check-ups and screenings.

When Roger Staley, chair of FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation, discovered that the men of Richmond County do not get screened nearly as often as they should, he put the idea of a Men’s Health Event into motion.

“I was at a retreat over a year ago when some of this information came out about men’s health in the Southeast region of North Carolina being this way,” said Staley. “And Richmond County is one of the highest counties in the state that just doesn’t get screenings done.

“We learned that all males - and especially black males - just don’t get screened enough.”

That’s why the FirstHealth Men’s Health Event will provide free prostate cancer antigen and blood pressure screenings for all registered participants. The March 31 event will also include a buffet dinner; a lecture on sleep apnea and other sleep disorders from Andrew Doolittle, M.D.; and a tour of First Health Richmond Memorial Hospital Sleep Center.

According to Tara Cameron, Director of Communications Development for FirstHealth of the Carolinas, prostate screenings involve having blood drawn and are provided by FirstHealth Community Health Services thanks to a grant from the Jimmy V. Foundation. Blood pressure checks are provided by the hospital.

Staley hopes that local men will take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the problems that men need to watch out for.

“After all the reports I have read, I got to thinking ‘Why in the world don’t we go to the doctor and get screened enough?’ I think it’s the male ego thing.

“But sometimes - especially in the case of colon and prostate problems - by the time its found, its too late.”

Interested?

The FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital Men’s Health Event is scheduled for March 31. Screenings and a buffet dinner will begin at 6 p.m.; Dr. Doolittle’s lecture on sleep apnea and other sleep disorders will begin at 6:30; a tour of FHRMH Sleep Center will take place from 7:30 to 8 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register contact 910-417-3772 or 800-213-3284.