May 21, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY - We’ve always heard that men are the stronger sex, but when it comes to health issues, clearly that’s not the case. Men’s health is in the midst of a crisis – not just in Oklahoma, but across the United States.

The statistics are alarming:

• In Oklahoma, of women with same-age spouses, 14 percent will find themselves widows as they enter retirement (ages 65-69)
• At any age, men are 40 percent more likely to die than women
• Men make half as many doctor visits as women
• On average, women outlive men by 7 years 
• 90 percent of women have a personal physician; only 66 percent of men do.

We’ve reached the point where men’s health problems and early mortality have been accepted as fact or a way of life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There is much that men could do to lengthen their lives.

Because men in general are reluctant to visit the doctor, INTEGRIS Health has implemented an initiative called Men’s Health University. Men-U is a series of events that take place throughout the year designed to educate men and their loved ones on the importance of men taking care of their health.

As part of National Men’s Health Month in June, INTEGRIS Men’s Health University will be offering free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings to men of all ages.

DATE: Thursday, June 12
TIME: 4 to 7 p.m.
PLACE: INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, Main Lobby
3300 N.W. Expressway

DATE: Saturday, June 21
TIME: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
PLACE: INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center, Cancer Center
4401 S. Western

By bringing men back into the health care system, INTEGRIS is helping them overcome one of their biggest health risks – just being a man. And knowledge is power. Even if males are aware of just two numbers, blood pressure and cholesterol, and take active steps to lower them if either reaches an unhealthy range, it can make a huge difference in their longevity.

Media interested in covering either event should page 629-3204 before arrival.