A man is three times as likely as a woman to die of AIDS, almost twice as likely to die from heart disease, and almost 30% more likely to die from some form of cancer. And despite the fact that when it comes to these diseases, prevention and early detection can save lives, not enough men make health care a priority. To combat this alarming trend, on September 20 Borough President Marty Markowitz and his wife Jamie, Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham, and over a dozen Brooklyn hospitals and health care providers announced the details of Take Your Man to the Doctor Week, an innovative public health campaign that officially begins September 26.

“As men we’ve been taught to tough things out and, too often, that means that taking care of ourselves comes last – or never,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “I’m no different from most men but, fortunately, my wife Jamie is always looking out for me, including insisting that I go for annual checkups. It is my hope that the Take Your Man to the Doctor campaign will inspire other Brooklyn men to take steps to ensure their own healthy future, and inspire the women who love them to push them in that direction, bearing in mind, of course, that there’s no more persuasive group than Brooklyn’s women!”

Take Your Man to the Doctor – He’ll Live to Love You Longer is a call to action for men of all ages, ethnicities, and social standing to regularly visit a doctor and for the women who love them to help make it happen. There is a huge disparity in doctor visitation between men and women nationwide, and Brooklyn is no exception. According to the 2003 Community Health Survey, an annual survey of 10,000 New Yorkers conducted by the Health Department, in Brooklyn, 31% of men reported not having a personal doctor, versus only 18% of women.

Free screenings for asthma, blood pressure, colorectal cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, dental/oral cancer, depression, glucose, glaucoma, hearing, HIV/AIDS, prostate cancer, pulmonary disease, stroke, stress, weight control/obesity and other conditions, along with important health information will be available at all participating hospitals, clinics and physician’s offices during the week of September 26 – October 2. Participating Brooklyn YMCAs will offer guest passes.

Call 718-802-3875 or visit www.brooklyn-usa.org for a complete listing of free health screening services and all participating hospitals, clinics and physician’s offices.

Last year’s campaign was a huge success. Brooklyn’s hospitals and health providers worked together, providing over 2,000 men with free health screenings as well as offering vital healthcare information.

“Healthfirst works to strengthen and support the community it serves in every way,” said George Hulse, Vice President of External Affairs at Healthfirst. “By partnering with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office and some of the top hospitals and medical centers in and around Brooklyn, Healthfirst is proud to be a part of this important initiative. We encourage all New Yorkers to take their man, child or parent to the doctor for routine preventive care, which will lead to a healthier community overall!”

“Pfizer is looking forward to continuing our commitment and partnership with the Brooklyn Borough President and community health advocates to improve health in our neighborhood, said Kevin McDonald, Regional Sales Manager for Pfizer Inc. “Take Your Man to the Doctor reinforces the critical need of establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with your physician, and Pfizer is privileged to be part of this important initiative.”

“Kingsbrook is proud to be a partner in this year’s Take Your Man to the Doctor initiative,” said Harry Schiffman, Director of Government & Community Relations for Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. “Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center has been a healthcare provider and community partner to the diverse communities of Central Brooklyn for close to 80 years.  We are proud to collaborate with Spring Creek Senior Partners and the Jewish Community Council of Canarsie on this initiative as we seek to continue our efforts to eradicate disease, and foster a better quality of life for all of the residents of Brooklyn.”

“Once again, we are delighted to participate in this initiative, spearheaded by our Borough President, Marty Markowitz,” said Dr. Martin Valdes, Vice President of Finance for The Central Brooklyn Medical Group, P.C.  “We hope that every year that we have this initiative results in more men getting the preventive screening tests that can potentially save their lives.”

“Take Your Man to the Doctor is an important program that helps get the word out of the importance of health care and prevention to all the men and women of Brooklyn and New York City,” said Brad Korn, Director of Community Affairs, Continuum Health Partners, Inc.

“The Health Department’s Take Care New York program is pleased to continue its support of the Take Your Man to the Doctor campaign,” said Louise Cohen, Associate Commissioner, Take Care New York & Community Coordination. “Receiving preventive care is as important as getting treatment when you are sick. The Health Department encourages the men (and women!) of Brooklyn to talk with their doctor about Take Care New York’s list of ten health priorities, including getting screened for colon cancer, quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and getting a yearly flu shot. Taking these steps can help Brooklynites and other New Yorkers live longer and healthier lives.”
  
Take Your Man to the Doctor is sponsored by Healthfirst, Pfizer, Central Brooklyn Medical Group, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Continuum Health Partners, New York Methodist Hospital, Interfaith Medical Center, Coney Island Hospital, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Kings County Hospital, Lutheran Medical Center, Woodhull Medical Center, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn Hospital Center, Maimonides Medical Center, Courier Life Publications, ICL Healthcare Choices, Levit Medical Arts Pavilion, Fidelis Care, AstraZeneca, Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center, Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center, Brownsville Multi-Service Center, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Brooklyn YMCAs and Metro Plus.