Health Forum Encourages Men to Play a Proactive Role in Their Healthcare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2010

Contact:     Terrance Afer-Anderson

757-683-8836

Terrance.Aferanderson@vdh.virginia.gov

            Norfolk, VA – Faced with the daunting health disparities that impact African American men, the American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division, is presenting the 4^th Annual African American Men’s Health Forum, April 24, 2010, from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the new Student Center, Norfolk State University, 700 Park Avenue.  Routinely attended by more than 400 men from throughout Hampton Roads, this FREE event is designed to serve as a clarion call to African American men to take a decidedly proactive role in their own healthcare.

NFL great Bruce Smith serves as the Honorary Chair of the 2010 African American Men’s Health Forum and WVEC-TV 13 News Morning and Noon Anchor LaSalle Blanks and WKUS-FM Kiss 105.3 radio personality  DJ Big Dose will serve as the Masters of Ceremonies.  The keynote address will be delivered by Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jerrauld Jones.  The event will also feature an array of free health screenings, an advocacy and legislative brief by Virginia Delegates Algie T. Howell and Kenneth C. Alexander, a free luncheon, numerous exhibitors, a wealth of health literature, and free parking.  The free medical screenings offered include blood pressure, blood glucose, oral cancer and HIV screenings.  Additionally, vouchers will also be available for free prostate examinations. 

Plenary sessions offered include in-depth review of such important health issues as Health Disparities, conducted by Norfolk State University Professor Howard Duncan, Ph.D.;  Surviving Prostate Cancer, a revealing personal story by Charles W. Hill, Founding Member and 1^st President, Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum; Colon Cancer and Nutrition, presented by cancer survivor and gastroenterologist Bruce Waldholtz, M.D.; and Prostate Cancer: A Medical Perspective, featuring medical oncologist Mark T. Fleming, M.D.

Forum Chairperson and motivational speaker Ed Sykes will end the forum with a call to action for the men to take care of their health.  “I was emotionally moved when I saw these men start lining up at 7:30 a.m. for the 8 a.m. health screenings at our last forum,” said Ed Sykes.  “These are men from all social-economic backgrounds wanting to improve the quality of life for themselves, for their families, for their communities.”  "I am looking forward to sharing new health innovations while adding the advocacy portion to our program so that the men can take advantage of the new Health Care Laws."

The African American Men’s Health Forum is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, Bon Secours Health Systems of Hampton Roads, Sentara Healthcare Systems, Virginia Oncology Associates, WVEC-TV, WKUS-FM, and the New Journal & Guide.  Onsite registration begins promptly at 8:15 a.m., but advance registration is strongly encouraged.  Participants can register online at www.cancerhealthforums.org, by clicking the “Register Now” button.  For further information and to telephone registration, call the American Cancer Society at 757-493-7962.