Calling All Rockcastle County Men

Healthy Joe Expo will be September 26

A recent survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that while 81 percent of men believed they are leading a healthy lifestyle, their behaviors tell a different story. The survey found, for example, that almost half of men do not get a yearly physical, and only half keep a healthy diet.

To help raise health awareness among Rockcastle County men, Rockcastle Regional Hospital will hold its annual Healthy Joe Expo September 26 at Marcella’s Farm to Fork on Cedar Rapids Access Road off Highway 150.

The event will offer free health screenings from 5 – 6 p.m. Tests include blood pressure checks and vouchers for cholesterol and PSA screening. The PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, test is designed to detect prostate cancer. While prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, it is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in men.

At 6 p.m., attendees will enjoy a complimentary meal along with a presentation by Kevin Rowe, M.D., family physician for Rockcastle Family Wellness.

There are many reasons to participate.  A recent study found that rural men have a 19 percent higher age-adjusted death rate than urban men and a 39 percent higher rate than rural women. They also have higher rates of inactivity-related chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

“This Healthy Joe Expo has a long history of raising awareness about what men can do to live longer, healthier lives,” said Stephen A. Estes, Rockcastle Regional Hospital President and CEO. “We hope to see a big group of Rockcastle County men there.”

For more information and to reserve your spot, contact Kaitlyn Stratton at (606) 256-7381.