FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2015

MEN’S HEALTH CHALLENGE

SANFORD - June is Men’s Health Month, and the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) located at 400 W. Airport Boulevard in Sanford will be hosting the inaugural Men’s Health Challenge on June 20th, from 8 am to 2 pm. This event is the first of its kind being held in Seminole County for all men. To register for this event please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mens-health-challenge-tickets-16880931320.

During the Men’s Health Challenge, DOH-Seminole has partnered with over 20 community partners to provide screenings, preventive healthcare services and access information for people seeking healthcare services. The program will serve as a focal point where men can come together for all the resources they need to lead healthy lives.

“We are committed in making a difference in the health of men in Seminole County through our new Men’s Health Initiative. I encourage all men to attend this event and take control of their heath,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

In additional to free screenings men that attend the Men’s Health Challenge will also be able to view the live internet webcast of the Black Men’s E-Summit from 9am to 10am and will receive information to help them maintain their health. The Black Men’s Health E-Summit is an educational internet webcast that will be broadcast from several locations in Orange and Seminole county. The webcast will provide health information related to men.

It is a fact that although men are at a greater risk of death in every age group, most men do not visit their doctors nor have a yearly physical. Men are faced with a variety of health risks and disparities. Most men are raised in environments that do not instill good preventive health practices. They are employed in the most high risk occupations and involved in high risk behaviors and activities. Being raised in impoverished communities and the lack of inadequate access to healthcare also contribute to higher rates of mortality among men (U.S. Administration on Aging).

Census data for the last ten years show that there have been no changes in the life expectancy for African American men. Nationally, African American males have a life expectancy of 71 years, African American females 78, White males 76 and White females 81 (National Vital Statistics Report). In Seminole County men’s life expectancy is 7 years less than women (Health Council of East Central Florida).

Learn more about the Men’s Health Challenge by visiting www.seminolecohealth.com.