Men don’t cry.

They don’t show fear.

And many don’t go to the doctor until it’s too late.

That’s the message being sent by FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation. Studies show that men as a gender, and Southern men in particular, aren’t prone to getting medical tests done that could save their lives.

“It’s pretty much across the board, especially in the south,” said Roger Staley, chair of the foundation. “Men just don’t care for themselves well enough, and I think part of it is ego. We think we can fix everything ourselves.”

Staley admits his own faults.

“Men don’t even start to read the instructions until we get to the point where we have to,” he said.

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.

While some men don’t seek testing and have the money to do it, Staley fears some men simply can’t afford it or won’t make the choice of making health care a priority. That’s where the foundation comes into play.

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.

“We’re hoping the foundation can sponsor more and more of these. This is something we’ve never really addressed before. We’ve had a series on women’s health, and for some reason women will go get tested, but men won’t. And sometimes - especially in the case of colon and prostate problems - by the time its found, its too late.”

The event is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register contact 910-417-3772 or 800-213-3284. Perhaps the biggest thing men can do to care for their family is to first take time to care for themselves. The program on March 31 is a step in that direction.