Check out the 2010 Health Awareness event calendar
The union's Health Centers recognized these facts years ago, leading to the creation of health awareness events. It began with Kids' Day, which at one time was the only Health Awareness Event sponsored by the Benefit Funds Office, and in that case it was limited to only the Dental Centers. But recognition that events like these can really help members and their families stay in the best health possible eventually led to more health awareness events, and they have really grown in popularity.
In fact, last year new attendance records were set for both Men's Health Awareness Week and Women's Health Awareness Week. These attendance records show that more and more members of our union appreciate the many benefits that are found by participating in the annual health awareness events. And, yes, there is ample evidence that these events have led to healthier and longer lives for our union's members. There is ample evidence that these events have even saved some lives, because they led to early detection of cancer and other serious problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
All of the events listed in this article can help ensure the future good health of all that attend. All of these health awareness events provide participants with not only valuable education but often peace of mind. The calendar of Health Awareness Events for 2010 is as follows:
- Eat Well, Feel Well and Be Well can actually help you to accomplish all three goals. It is a popular health awareness event that can really make a difference for you and your family members. It provides solid, easy-to-follow tips on keeping in good health throughout the year. This year it is scheduled at all Dental and Health Centers for the week of March 22 through 26. The "Eat Well" portion of this event refers to good nutrition. Diet plays a major role in determining how healthy we are, and poor diets often lead to poor health.
Members who visit the Dental and Health Centers March 22 through 26 will find that a healthy diet does not necessarily mean a boring or bland diet. The "Feel Well" portion of the event refers to exercise. Most people know that proper diet and exercise can greatly eliminate the risk of strokes and heart attacks. But there is also much evidence to show that good nutrition and regular exercise can drastically reduce the chances of many other problems, including cancer.
The "Be Well" portion of the event refers keeping a healthy heart. It is no secret that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. But by visiting any of the Health Centers during the week of March 22-26, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., members can learn how to prevent heart disease and other illnesses associated with poor diets and a lack of exercise. All of us should take advantage of all the benefits of eating well, feeling well and being well. A good way to do so is by visiting any of the Health Centers or Dental Centers for the Eat Well, Feel Well and Be Well health awareness event the week of March 22-26.
- Seniors' Days is a Health Awareness Event that will mark its tenth anniversary this year. The event has grown in popularity over the years and has evolved into a true health awareness event. The retired members of our union that have attended Seniors' Day in past years have reported that they have found it to be a extremely valuable and pleasant experience. And, as many will no doubt remember, major improvements in Seniors' Days were instituted two years ago, when the event was moved from the union's auditorium to the individual Health Centers.
This year, Seniors' Days will again take place one day at each Health Center. The event is open to all seniors who are eligible to use the Health Centers. Seniors' Days will be held between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Queens Health Center: Tues., May 18.
Brooklyn Health Center: Wed., May 19.
Harlem Health Center: Thurs., May 20.
Midtown Health Center: Fri., May 21.Seniors that are eligible to use the Health Centers are asked to attend the event at the Health Center that they use regularly, and, yes, light refreshments will be served!
- Kids' Days is always one of the most popular events of the year. In fact, it grew in popularity so much the event now takes place over three days. The basic premise of Kids' Days is to introduce children to visits with doctors and dentists. Normally, visiting doctors and dentists is an activity that many children fear. But Kids' Days makes these visits fun, and can make a positive impression on children that can last a lifetime.
Kids' Days has also proved to be quite popular with parents, because it is the best way to introduce children to the medical and dental services that are available to them. Kids' Days also allows parents to obtain the necessary health paperwork that their children will need when they return to school in September. That's one reason why the event is always scheduled in the summer. The other reason, of course, is to take advantage of children being off from school so that they can attend Kids' Day without missing class. This year is no different, with Kids' Days scheduled at the Dental and Health Centers for Wednesday through Friday, August 18, 19 and 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Men's Health Awareness Week will be held at Dental and Health Centers between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in September. The specific dates will be announced later in the year as the event will have new features this year. The event is scheduled in September for the specific purpose of coinciding with Prostate Cancer Awareness month. The benefits of this annual Health Awareness Event have already been well documented in Hotel Voice.
A number of men who have attended past Men's Health Awareness Weeks have been found to be in the early stages of different types of cancer. But because early detection is the greatest weapon against cancer, these men were able to be treated successfully and can now have a normal life expectancy. Other men were found to have high blood pressure without having shown any visible signs or physical effects. This, too, can be considered lifesaving because high blood pressure can easily lead to a host of problems, including strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease.
These are just some examples of why Men's Health Awareness Week is such an important event. Members may visit any of the Health and Dental Centers any day of their choosing during Men's Health Awareness Week without an appointment being necessary.
- Women's Health Week is held each year in October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Almost 4,000 members participated in this event last year, proving that women members recognize the great value in attending it. Women's Health Week allows women, age 20 or older, to visit the Health Centers or Dental Centers any day they choose that week without an appointment. Screenings will be available to determine if there are potential problems with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as breast, cervical, colorectal, oral and skin cancers. Screening is essential for early detection of illnesses.
Education is also a key ingredient in maintaining good health. Women's Health Week will offer an opportunity for education on breast self-examination, birth control, menopause, family planning, nutrition, exercise, high blood pressure and skin care. Other health issues that affect women will also be addressed, including stress management and smoking cessation. As with other Health Awareness Events, the focus of Women's Health Week is to keep our members and their families healthy. Like this year's Men's Health Week, new features are being added to Women's Health Week. The event will be held in October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness month. The specific dates for Women's Health Week will be published later this year in Hotel Voice.
- Flu vaccines will be administered at the Health Centers - without appointments being necessary - during the months of October through December. As always, Hotel Voice will publish a reminder early in the fall to alert members about flu shots. We will explain the differences between those who should get flu shots and those who should not. Even members who use out-of-area medical coverage can use the Health Centers for flu shots, and without needing an appointment to do so.
The Health Awareness programs scheduled throughout this year are a clear indication that our union's health plan is determined to ensure the good health of you and your family members. For this reason we ask you to note the dates of the Health Awareness Events listed here and to strongly consider taking advantage of them.
