Men’s Health Month Takes Over For ‘Do It For Dad’

The annual Do It For Dad Run is being replaced by a new event to support men’s health.

The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation has launched Men’s Health Month for Prostate Cancer and Cardiac Care.

Photo: VJH Foundation Director of Development Sue Beaudry and Ed Eyford of the Vernon Prostate Cancer Support & Awareness Group display Father’s Day cards for sale at the VJH Gift Shop to raise funds for Men’s Health Month in June.

The organization will dedicate the entire month of June to promoting men’s health, which will take the place of the Do it for Dad Run & Walk on Father’s Day at the Coldstream Ranch which ran for 17 years.

“We felt in reviewing the past years, the costs of staging the event were increasing, and the attendance had kind of plateaued, and was on a decline,” says Andrea Egan, Development Officer for the Foundation.

“Our new initiative will continue to benefit prostate health for local men, and will also provide support for cardiac care needs at VJH,” says Egan.

Funds raised throughout the month will support PSA testing, the Vernon Prostate Cancer Support and Awareness Group, and the purchase of a new ECG machine and trolley for Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

“To support Men’s Health Month, we are asking that you make a donation supporting Men’s Health needs in the North Okanagan in honour of a special man in your life. In return for your donation you can present an online Father’s Day card to him, announcing your gift in support of his health,” adds Egan.

Donations will stay local and benefit all men in the North Okanagan.

This year alone 4,000 Canadian men will die of prostate cancer. Cardiovascular Disease remains the leading cause of death throughout the Western World and the second most common cause in Canada.

Ideas to support Men’s Health Month in the North Okanagan:

· Donate to VJH Foundation for Father’s Day.

· Have a workplace ‘Wear Jeans Month’, encouraging staff in your department to wear jeans in support of men’s health. For five Fridays in June, wear jeans for $5.
Contact the Foundation office for Wear Jeans buttons.

· Share your health care story with a friend, family member or co-worker.

· Invite a friend, spouse, family member or neighbour to join you in a healthy activity.

· Schedule a check-up with your doctor.