Men's Health Day April 14th

From Middlesex Hospital's eVita Newsletter:

Annual special event focuses on men's health needs

Often, men are less likely than women to seek out healthcare services on a regular basis. This especially holds true for those men who may have limited or no access to these types of services.

Dorothy Carvalho, R.N., O.C.N., the urology nurse navigator at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, identified a need in the local community last year for the underserved population of men in the local area. Her response to this need was to hold the first annual "Men's Health Day" in downtown Middletown. The event is free and run entirely by volunteers. The day-long event allows participants to discuss health issues with a variety of physicians, nurses and radiologists. In addition, a dietitian is available to talk about nutrition. A social worker is also available. The men can also receive foot care and be screened for prostate cancer and blood pressure, and can talk with a fitness trainer. They are also treated to chair massage and reflexology. A hot luncheon is served and gift cards to the local supermarket are provided to the first 100 attendees.

As a result of developing this special program, Carvalho was chosen as one of the 2010 Connecticut Hospital Association's "Healthcare Heroes," for her contributions to the community.This year's event will take place on April 14, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Middletown. For more information, call (860) 358-2043