Friday, September 5, 2003

Men's health summit to offer free screenings, education

Metro Atlanta men can learn to improve their health by joining "Godfather of Soul" singer James Brown and other well-known persons at the second annual Community Health And Men's Promotion Summit (CHAMPS) September 13.

Featuring the theme "It's Time to Take Charge of Men's Health!", the summit will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland Street, Atlanta. It is designed to encourage men who traditionally do not make health maintenance a priority to address their health needs and make healthy lifestyle choices.

Men can get free screenings for prostate and colorectal cancer, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, vision and dental. Doctors and other health professionals will also check cholesterol levels and assess risks for heart problems. There will be informational exhibits, educational workshops, entertainment and refreshments.

Brown, known for hits such as "I Feel Good," will make a brief appearance at 1 p.m. to promote good health. Scheduled to make remarks is Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General and current Director of Morehouse School of Medicine's National Center for Primary Care. He is Honorary Medical Director for the event. Former U.N. Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young is Honorary Chairman of CHAMPS.

"Although men are living longer today than they did in the previous century, many are still dying prematurely from preventable and treatable illnesses at an average age six years earlier than women," said Dr. Jean Bonhomme, chairman of the CHAMPS steering committee. "With CHAMPS, we hope to raise awareness that men can take charge of their own health and live longer through disease prevention, early detection and treatment."

The 2002 inaugural event drew hundreds of men from metro Atlanta. While CHAMPS provides education and health screenings for all men, it specifically targets the medically under-served, who have had limited access to health care and are at greater risk for developing certain health disorders.

CHAMPS is sponsored by a consortium of private and public entities interested in addressing men's health concerns by raising awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment. These organizations include the American Cancer Society; Atlanta Medical Association; Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Men's Health; Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness; Georgia Commission on Men's Health; Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition; Midtown Urology; National Black Men's Health Network; National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Greater Atlanta Millennium Section; 100 Black Men of North Metro; and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.

For more information about Community Health And Men's Promotion Summit, call the American Cancer Society at (404) 816-4994 or visit the CHAMPS web site at www.champsga.org.