Jan. 20-Women go to the doctor, men go to the Emergency Room, the saying goes. Sadly, this is all too true. As is the fact the men change the oil in their cars every 3,000 miles but rarely get routine check-ups or preventive care, and often ignore symptoms or delay seeing a doctor when they’re sick or in pain.

Hurley Medical Center’s new Men’s Health Initiative is trying to change that. Launched on January 20, 2012, the Men’s Health Initiative has been created to educate men and their families on the importance of 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.

Left to right: Dwayne Parker, Director, Hurley Community Marketing; Johnny McClendon, Hurley Men’s Health Ambassador; Dr. Paul Musson, Hurley Physician Champion; Patrick Wardell, Hurley President & CEO; Danis Russell, CEO, Genesee County Community Mental Health

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
• 90% of women have personal physicians, compared with 60% of men

Along with women, children and seniors, Hurley 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.

It can happen! A real-life success story

Johnny McClendon, a Hurley employee, is a powerful example of someone who took charge of his own health after he became winded playing with his 4-year-old son.

Johnny McClendon, Hurley Men’s Health Ambassador, speaking about the importance of his journey back to health after losing 110 pounds

After a year of consistent strength training and nutrition changes, McClendon has lost 110 pounds, decreased his waist size by 12 inches, and gone from a 5XLT to a 1XLT shirt size. Johnny recently commented, “This is a new way of life, and I am so thankful to Hurley and their resources which enabled me the opportunity to have and maintain this new and healthier way of life. I encourage all men to do the same.”

As a young man, McClendon was told that "it was all about being tough. But today I realize that if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be around to take care of my family and my home,” he said.

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

Next month, Hurley Medical Center will begin a series of educational events geared toward men such as McLendon, focusing on preventive health care. Kicking off the yearlong effort is the FREE African American Men’s Health Summit on February 25 at the Ebenezer Ministry in Burton, followed by health and wellness seminars and health screenings throughout the year.

The highlight of Hurley’s Men’s Health Initiative will occur on June 16 – the first annual Men’s Health Expo at Flint’s Atwood Stadium, featuring football standout Mark Ingram, a Flint native who plays for the New Orleans Saints and winner of the 2009 Heisman Trophy.

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.

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