Let’s face it: Men don’t always take care of themselves as well as they should. That includes seeing their doctor for an annual checkup, when many health problems can be identified through screening and treated before they become more serious or even life-threatening.
In an effort to help inspire men to have an annual physical and to raise awareness about men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer, Griffin Hospital launched the “Health Initiative for Men” (HiM), a community-wide preventive healthcare effort.
“The goal of the HiM is to influence men to see their physician annually, and to be screened for various diseases that respond better to treatment if detected early,” said Patrick Charmel, Griffin President and CEO. “We are launching this effort, in large part, as a response to recent data, which indicate that men in the Valley have significantly higher rates of mortality than men in Connecticut on average for both prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.
History of HiM
Griffin Hospital launched the Health Initiative for Men (HiM) in June 2011 to help inspire men to have an annual physical and raise awareness about men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. Ansonia businessman Frank Michaud and his wife, Judy, established a special “Health Initiative for Men Fund” at the Valley Community Foundation which enabled the hospital to roll out its first men’s health campaign: cards that could be given to men encouraging them to “get to the doctor” for their annual check-ups. Approximately 20,000 of these free cards, which included men’s health screening guidelines and checklists, were distributed at Griffin Hospital, local businesses, and through area schools.
Learn more about Men’s Health
Griffin Health is committed to providing education and resources to keep you healthy throughout life.
Click in for Men’s Health tips and guidelines.
- Remember: Your health is your responsibility. Keep your mind & body running like a well-oiled machine – Tune it up and stick to the scheduled maintenance plan. Open and print the Health Tune Up checklist.
- The top 10 causes of death in all men
- Understanding the role prevention can play in your health
- Preventing health issues before they become a problem
- 5 Great reasons to visit your doctor when you’re NOT sick
Find a doctor and get started!
Men’s Health Resources
- Men’s Health Month Website
- Men’s Health Week Website
- Daily Steps to a Healthier Life
- AHRQ Healthy Men Website
- CDC Men’s Health e-Cards
- Men’s health: Preventing the top 7 threats
- Blueprint for Men’s Health Guide