Health Department hosts 2nd Annual Men’s Health Challenge

In observance of Men’s Health Month, the Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) hosted the 2nd Annual William J. Jett Men’s Health Challenge on Sat., June 4, 2016 at the Sanford Health Office on Airport Blvd.   
Special guests included Michael Coe, former NFL Cornerback with the New York Giants; Haki Nkrumah, Founder/President of Young Fathers of Central FL; and Osiris Sprauve, Plant Manager at Coca-Cola Company in Apopka, FL. “The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection of disease among men and boys,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for DOH-Seminole. “This month gives healthcare providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.”  
Vendors such as True Health, American Lung Association, YMCA of Central FL, Healthy Start Coalition of Seminole County, Let’s Kick Asthma Foundation, and Florida Blue, partnered with DOH-Seminole to bring the community an energetic and motivational health event.
This free event was open to males 12 years of age and older. In addition to health screenings, resources, free haircuts, etc., there were gaming stations, raffles, refreshments and much more. “Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue,” said Maurece Daniels, Coordinator for the Office of Men’s Health at DOH-Seminole. “Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”   
It is a fact that although men are at a greater risk of death in every age group, most men do not visit their doctors nor have a yearly physical.
Men are faced with a variety of health risks and disparities. Being raised in impoverished communities and the lack of adequate access to healthcare also contribute to higher rates of mortality among men (U.S. Administration on Aging).  
For more information about participating in and/or sponsoring next year’s Men’s Health Challenge, contact Maurece Daniels at 407-665-3240; via E-mail, Maurece.Daniels@flhealth.gov or visit the website, www.seminolecohealth.com.

• Cancellation: The Pancake Breakfast scheduled for Sat., June 25, 2016, at New Bethel M.B. Church has been canceled. It will be rescheduled at a later date. Tickets that have been purchased will be honored at that time.  Rev. William F. Lewis, Pastor.

• Correction: The Pearlie Mae Ford Community Service Club of Sanford, Inc. and the Seminole County Branch of the NAACP are hosting the second Voter Information Forum on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at 6:30 p.m., at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1203 Olive Ave., Sanford (Rev. Octavious L. Smith, Host Pastor).
Everyone is invited to come out to meet the local, state and national candidates, ask questions and get prepared for the August 30, 2016 Florida Primary Election.  
The Moderator will be Seminole County Supervisor of Elections, Mike Ertel. Questions, call 407-592-1850.  In a previous publication we inadvertently reported the event day as being Tuesday. We apologize for the error.

• The monthly Sanford Eastside/Westside Community Meetings will not be held during the months of June and July. The monthly meetings, held on the 4th Thursday of each month, will resume in August. Questions, contact Kenneth Bentley at the Goldsboro Front Porch Office, 1213 W. Historic Goldsboro Blvd., Sanford.

Sheralyn Brinson can be reached at SBrinson@MySanfordHerald.com.