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HomeNewsArchivesMen's Health Month Observed in the Virgin Islands

Men's Health Month Observed in the Virgin Islands

June 12, 2008 – June is National Men's Health Month, and the week of June 9-15 is recognized as National Men's Health Week. In addition, men's health awareness is targeted globally during International Men's Health Week, observed June 11-17.
The Department of Health's Office of Primary Care will partner with the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute to host a cancer prevention seminar from noon – 1 p.m., on Friday, June 13, as part of activities planned in observance of Men's Health Month, according to a press release from Health Commissioner Vivian I. Ebbesen-Fludd.
The seminar, which will be presented by Derrick Grant, Institute Research director, is entitled "Cancer Prevention in Virgin Islands Men" and will be held at the Institute's auditorium. Residents are encouraged to wear blue on that day in support of men's health.
Seminar participants will be eligible for a special wellness promotion at Total Rehab and Fitness in Lockhart Gardens, according to Lorna J. Williams-Sutton, director of the Office of Primary Care.
The Office of Primary Care is also collaborating with the department's HIV/STD/TB clinics to offer free HIV/AIDS testing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Friday, June 27, territorywide. HIV/STD/TB staff will also conduct free testing as part of a community outreach program at nightclubs from 6 p.m. to midnight.
According to the Men's Health Network, life expectancy for men is generally lower than for women, and studies show that men are subject to a number of health disparities by virtue of their gender. Data from the department's STD/HIV/TB and Chronic Disease programs show that in the V.I., men have higher incidences of heart disease than their female counterparts. Prostate cancer was the most prevalent of all cancers treated in 2007, and men accounted for 74 percent of AIDS cases reported that same year.
Commissioner Ebbesen-Fludd urges all men in the territory to make annual check-ups a routine and to contact their primary care provider today.
For more information, call Lorna Sutton or Tanisha Mills at 777-9241.

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