Launched January 20, 2012, Hurley Medical Center’s Men’s Health Initiative has been created to educate men and their families on the importance of men taking charge of their own health.

Convincing men to seek medical attention as part of wellness, not sickness

“Most men don’t see a physician until something is very wrong. We are inviting men to come in and get checked out before it’s too late,” says Paul Musson, MD, a Hurley Physician board certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine.

National statistics reveal that:

• Men, on average, live 7 years less than women
• Men have a 50% chance of being diagnosed with cancer
• Men die from 9 of the top 10 causes of death at a higher percentage than women
• 60% of men have personal physicians, compared to 90% of women

Along with women, children and seniors, Hurley is now focusing on men's health

Dwayne Parker, Hurley’s director of community marketing, explained that Hurley has ongoing health events targeting women, kids and seniors. “But nothing has ever been geared toward men until now,” he said. “The goal of Hurley’s new Men’s Health Initiative is to help refocus the mindset of men who have always believed that being ‘an emotional tough guy’ outweighs the need to take care of their physical health,” he said.

A year-long roster of events centered around preventative health care for men

Kicking off the yearlong effort was the African American Men’s Health Summit on February 25 at the Ebenezer Ministry in Burton. Health and wellness seminars and health screenings will follow throughout the year. All events are aimed at educating, informing and guiding men through the health care process, said Parker. “We will help them choose the type of physicians they need, help guide them through health care insurance issues, introduce them to health and fitness alternatives,” he said.

Men’s Health Fest: Saturday, June 16, 2012

A FREE day of fun and fitness for men, their families and friends, the Men's Health Fest features Special Guest Heisman Trophy winner and New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram, free health checks, exhibits, great food, bounce houses for kids, and more.

For more information, contact Dwayne Parker at (810) 262-9886 or dparker1@hurleymc.com.