Free men's mental health event on tap tonight

June 24--When it comes to health, local men have rated memory loss as one of their top concerns, said Lisa Winters, marketing director for Peterson Regional Medical Center.

Area physicians are looking to address those concerns in a panel discussion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. tonight at The Men's Event, hosted by Peterson Regional Medical Center. A panel of physicians and experts will answer questions regarding health and wellness.

"We like to encourage men to attend, as they are topics that are relevant to their health," Winters said.

This is the third year Peterson Regional Medical Center has hosted the free event to coincide with Men's Health National Awareness month.

There are several forms of dementia that affect a person's ability to perform everyday activities due to a decline in memory. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia. It often occurs after a stroke.

The event was started to encourage men to take an active role in their health and wellness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.5 percent of men 18 years old and older are in fair and poor health. Women live an average of five to 10 years longer than men.

When it comes to regular check-ups, Peterson Regional Medical Center medical director David Vaughan said he recommends an age-related guideline that holds true for most men: three check-ups while in your 30s, four check-ups across your 40s and annual check-ups once men reach their 50s.

Annual check-ups for men in their 50s and older is recommended because the chances of cancer increases. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In 2010, the latest statistics available from the CDC showed 196,038 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 28,560 men died from it.

"Men sometimes see going to the doctor as a sign of weakness or neediness," Vaughan said. "They want to typically be seen as masculine or portray a male with no problems and strength."

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, sleep issues and depression are most common illnesses in men, Vaughn said. Those common illnesses could lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and stroke when not cared for properly.

The event will take place in classroom A on the second floor of the hospital. For more information call 258-7628, or email mypeterson@petersonrmc.com.

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