Pump Up/Check Up

White Plains , NY – A coalition of Westchester healthcare and social service agencies will hold a health screening event for men on Friday, July 18, 2008 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the New York Sports Club at the City Center in White Plains . The event, entitled “Pump Up/Check Up,” brings an array of extremely vital yet quick and easy health screenings to men aged 18 to 49, a population typically reluctant to routinely access medical services. The event is spearheaded by the Westchester County Department of Health.

“Men in this age group, particularly young men, go to their doctor only when they exhibit symptoms of illness,” says Yedidah Yehudah, Program Administrator for the Health Department's Division of Community Health and event coordinator. “By that point they need treatment, but many major health issues can be prevented or lessened by early detection. Our goal is to remind men of the need for basic periodic screenings to check for things like high blood pressure and diabetes.”

The mini-health fair also features sexual health information and HIV testing. “There are no symptoms for HIV infection until much later in the disease's progress,” said Trina Hiemcke, Director of Education for AIDS-Related Community Services, one of the event's sponsors. “We recommend that all sexually active men get an HIV test every six months. Without preventive screenings, many young men are left in the dark about their HIV status and could spread the virus to their partners.” At this event, attendees can opt for a free, rapid oral swab test in a confidential setting; those who do so will receive incentives like free gas cards.

Visitors will also enjoy refreshments, raffles, prizes, nutritional consultations and advice from fitness trainers. Yehudah says that the coalition chose to hold the event in a fitness center to drive home the message. “Men make time for sports and working out, but sometimes neglect other aspects of their health. Monitoring your blood pressure and getting an HIV test are just as important as that daily jog and eating right for maintaining overall wellness.”

“Pump Up/Check Up” will be held at New York Sports Club, City Center , 4 City Plaza, White Plains , NY , 10601 . Parking will be reimbursed to the first fifty guests. The event is sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Health, Westchester Medical Center, AIDS-Related Community Services, the LOFT, Project WAVE, and Hudson River Community Health. For more information, contact Yedidah Yehudah at (914) 813 5266 or yay1@westchestergov.com .

###

Return to Events