In honor of Men’s Health Month in June, a number of organizations are working to make screening extra accessible, particularly to Black males, who research have discovered are at larger threat of sure cancers and circumstances.

Near North Health is internet hosting well being gala’s each Saturday in June, providing companies from haircuts to screenings for hypertension, diabetes, HIV, psychological well being and prostate most cancers.

“Those are a lot of conditions that are occurring in men of this age group that normally don’t get into see doctors,” stated Dr. Dan Vicencio, interim chief medical officer for Near North Health, a non-profit federally-qualified well being middle with a number of places throughout town.

Vicencio says, in his expertise, there’s a time interval when males discontinue getting yearly checkups.

“We lose them around college and then we see them back around their 40’s or 50’s,” Vicencio stated.

He says that’s when sufferers begin coming in with signs and that may be too late.

“Oftentimes high blood pressure, diabetes, some cancers don’t show anything until you actually have a demonstrable abnormality,” Vicencio stated.

Prostate most cancers is an actual concern, significantly amongst Black males.

“We know that prostate cancer is most likely to affect about 50% of African American men,” stated Glen Brooks, a group engagement specialist with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

Black males are 20% extra prone to get colorectal most cancers as properly, which is why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois will hand out “Fit Kits” for colorectal most cancers screenings on Monday on the Blue Door Neighborhood Center in Morgan Park.

“You can have this particular screening in the comfort of your own home. So by providing a stool sample and just mailing and you can get the results,” Brooks stated, including additionally, you will be directed to a specialist, if wanted.

Details for upcoming screening occasions:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Men’s Wellness

• Monday, June 12
• Runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Blue Door Neighborhood Center
• 11840 South Marshfield in Morgan Park

 Includes:

• Fit Kit giveaways – Colorectal Cancer Screening kits – accessible whereas provides final all through the day
• Blood stress screenings all through the day
• Pop Up Produce – whereas provides final – first-come, first-served
• Coffee Chat with Chicago Panhellenic Council of Fraternities from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
•  Mental Health Session “Stay on Top of Your Game with Dr. Obari Cartman) from 4:30 p.m. to five:30 p.m.

Near North Health Scheduled Events for Men’s Health Month in June 2023

• June 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Winfield Moody Health Center – 1276 N. Clybourn
• June 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Kostner Health Center – 1520 N. Kostner Ave.
• June 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Louise Landau Health Center – 800 N. Kedzie

In addition to the well being screenings, males attending the well being gala’s could have the chance to take part in cooking demonstrations to find out about wholesome meal preparation. They may obtain complimentary haircuts, giveaways, and refreshments.