Marvin “Doc” Cheatham is ready to get dressed up.
Cheatham, president of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP, created a coalition of local organizations, churches and hospitals that will spread awareness of men?s health issues later this month in the city?s First Annual Blue Suit Health Awareness Weekend.
Cheatham and others will don blue suits during the weekend of Sept. 14 through Sept. 16 to support the effort.
“We?re creating a coalition that will touch tens of thousands of men in our region,” Cheatham said. “By raising awareness, encouraging healthy behaviors, and linking people to care, this effort will have a major impact.”
Life expectancy in Baltimore in 2005 was 67.3 years for men, compared with 75.7 years for women, and men are more likely to die of treatable and preventable causes, including heart disease, diabetes, HIV, homicide and accidents, according to the office of Mayor Sheila Dixon.
Baltimore men are also less likely to have access to a doctor. Of approximately 170,000 men between 18 and 65 living in the city, at least 60,000 are uninsured, the mayor?s office said.
“Our goal is to help men take charge of their health,” Dixon said in a statement. “I am very grateful for the interest of so many health and faith institutions in our region to come together to save lives.”
Alongside Cheatham?s effort, the Baltimore City Health Department has released a six-point agenda on men?s health emphasizing knowledge of medical resources including doctors and addiction treatment centers as well as exercise and avoiding unhealthy choices.
“There are resources in the city to help men take responsibility for their health,” said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, commissioner of health. “We need to get the word out.”
The department will distribute a resource card based on that agenda, including information on age-appropriate screenings. Visit baltimorehealth.org for more information.
