Hey guys, join ARCS and the Westchester MSM Coalition for our next “Pump Up Check Up” event on Monday, May 3, 2010 at Flex Appeal gym in Mount Vernon, NY. This event brings an array of extremely vital yet quick and easy health screenings to men aged 18 to 49, a population typically reluctant to routinely access medical services.
“Men in this age group, particularly young men, go to their doctor only when they exhibit symptoms of illness,” says Yedidah Yehudah, Program Administrator for the Health Department’s Division of Community Health. “By that point they need treatment, but many major health issues can be prevented or lessened by early detection. Our goal is to remind men of the need for basic periodic screenings to check for things like high blood pressure and diabetes.”
The mini-health fair also features sexual health information and HIV testing. “There are no symptoms for HIV infection until much later in the disease’s progress,” said Trina Hiemcke, Director of Education for AIDS-Related Community Services, one of the event’s sponsors. “We recommend that all sexually active men get an HIV test every six months. Without preventive screenings, many young men are left in the dark about their HIV status and could spread the virus to their partners.” At this event, attendees can opt for a free, rapid oral swab test in a confidential setting; those who do so will receive incentives such as small gift certificates.
Visitors will also enjoy refreshments, raffles, prizes, nutritional consultations and advice from fitness trainers. Yehudah says that the coalition chose to hold the event in a fitness center to drive home the message. “Men make time for sports and working out, but sometimes neglect other aspects of their health. Monitoring your blood pressure and getting an HIV test are just as important as that daily jog and eating right for maintaining overall wellness.”
Monday, May 3, 2010
4 to 8 pm
Flex Appeal
156 Gramatan Avenue, Mount Vernon
Featuring:
Diabetes Screenings
Body Mass Indexing
Blood Pressure Checks
HIV Testing
STD Screenings
Nutrition Consultants
Fitness Trainers
Free Incentives and Raffles
Refreshments
Sponsored by:
Westchester County Dept. of Health
MSM Coalition of Westchester
AIDS-Related Community Services
Hudson River Community Health
The LOFT
Westchester Medical Center
Flex Appeal
For more information, please call 914-813-5256
Tags: event, HIV Status, HIV Testing, men, special, Westchester