May 30, 2007

OKLAHOMA CITY - There is a silent health crisis in America of epic proportions. American men are living shorter lives than American women.

The average male life expectancy at birth is currently 74.6 years; for women, it is 79.6 years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics, there are many reasons for this disparity.

Studies show men tend to lead less healthy lifestyles. They smoke, drink, use illegal drugs and skip the sunscreen more often than women. They also take more risks than their female counterparts and are more reluctant to seek medical attention.

As a result, men are more likely to die from such preventable diseases as cancer, heart disease, and HIV. They’re also at a greater risk for accidents and committing suicide.

In response to the urgent need to address this situation and in an attempt to communicate the importance of regular health check-ups for men, the Community Services department at INTEGRIS Health implemented an innovative men's health initiative designed to encourage men to take charge of their health.

Established in 2004, the INTEGRIS Men’s Health University tries to promote men’s wellness and education in a non-threatening casual atmosphere using humorous and/or sports-related themes.

Men-U consists of physician lectures for men on a variety of health topics, local health and wellness fairs and regular health screenings.

The next step in the evolution of men’s health in Oklahoma City will be the INTEGRIS Men’s Health Clinic.

The project will kick off in June during National Men’s Health Week, June 11-17.

In celebration of the week-long awareness campaign, men of all ages will receive free glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings at several different INTEGRIS locations. Educational materials will also be provided and several participants will take home door prizes.

At the conclusion of National Men’s Health Week, the INTEGRIS Men’s Health Clinic will continue year-round. It will feature physicians throughout the metro who are dedicated to improving the health of all men.

To learn more about the INTEGRIS Men’s Health Clinic, visit www.integrismenshealth.com.

INTEGRIS Men’s Health Clinic
Screening Schedule during National Men’s Health Week

Mon., June 11
5 – 7 p.m.
INTEGRIS Family Care, Edmond
820 S.W. 15 St. (15th and Kelly)

Tues., June 12
5 – 7 p.m.
INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center, OKC
4401 S. Western / Main entrance lobby

Wed., June 13
5 – 7 p.m.
INTEGRIS ProHealth Physicians, Norman
700 24th Ave. N.W.

Thursday, June 14
5 – 7 p.m.
INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, OKC
3300 N.W. Expressway / Outpatient Registration, southeast corner main hospital bldg.

Friday, June 15
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Regional Hospital, Yukon
1201 Health Center Parkway / Conference Rooms A and B

The public is invited to all of these events. Media, please page 629-3204 to arrange an escort.