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June
16, 2005
Jacksonville -- On June 25, the Jacksonville Health Unit, 3000 N. 1st St., is sponsoring its first Health Fair for Men, a community outreach event designed especially for the health needs of men over the age of 40. Health information and screening services will be provided from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Governor Mike Huckabee has become a role model for the men in the state through his own weight loss, participation in a regular physical fitness regimen, and activities in marathon events. Jennie Kyle, HHI Administrator at the Jacksonville Health Unit, invites fathers and grandfathers to join Governor Huckabee in moving Arkansas toward a better state of health.
The burden of chronic diseases, including diabetes, stroke, heart and lung disease, and cancer is higher in Arkansas than in the nation generally. Tobacco use, obesity and physical inactivity are primary causes of these and other serious chronic conditions. According to a 2001 report from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Arkansas ranked:
- 8th among the 50 states in mortality due to heart disease
- 1st in stroke mortality
- 9th in cancer overall, and
- 6th in deaths due to lung cancer.
In response to these statistics, Healthy Arkansas was launched in May 2004 to change Arkansas from one of the unhealthiest states in the country to one of the healthiest. Healthy Arkansas is a statewide initiative, created by the Governor, to reduce obesity, tobacco use and physical inactivity. The initiative covers all of Arkansas, with a specific focus on state employees and Medicaid recipients. Kyle states, “The fair supports the Healthy Arkansas Initiative and is a unique opportunity for men.”
The following health screenings and information will be available at the fair:
- Blood Pressure checks
- BMI (overweight checks)
- Glucose and cholesterol screening (must be fasting)
- Health literature and education on physical fitness, nutrition,
and smoking cessation
- Prostate Screening provided by Arkansas Prostate Foundation
Pre-register at 982-7477
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