As a celebration for Father’s Day weekend, the Urban Health and WellnessCenter for UM-Flint kicked off their inaugural Men’s Health Fair in conjunction with the Rainbow Corvette Club. Although it was difficult to set up with the windy weather, volunteers and health professionals worked together to provide health assistance for the fair’s participants.
The Urban Health and WellnessCenter provided pamphlets on high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer, STDs and other services that the center provides. To promote awareness of sexual health, the center provided free condoms and lubricants for participants to take. The center displayed a visual chart, showing the consequences of unprotected sex.
A check up station was also provided for participants who are concerned about high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Shan Parker, Associate Director for the Urban Health and WellnessCenter said, “Men don’t go out for check ups.”Parker said their services can help men become aware of cancer risks, hypertension and diabetes. Parker promoted physical activity for men by raffling full year memberships to UM-Flint’s RecreationCenter.
Amalie Helms, the Grants and Contracts Administrator for the Urban Health and Wellness Center, agreed that men need to be more aware of their health issues. “Men can be macho sometimes and won’t go to the doc,” Helms said.
She said the Urban Health and WellnessCenter provides services for Genesee Health Plan beneficiaries and UM-Flint students who are currently enrolled. If a student does not qualify for the Genesee Health Plan, they can still receive services by paying a $25 fee per visit. Helms said, if students cannot pay the fee, it can be billed to their student account.
Helms said the center is pushing to make student services more visible to the community. They are planning to provide more services for students with their upcoming “Welcome Back Picnic” planned for the second or third week of fall semester.
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