Wear Blue: Men’s Health Awareness & Walk on Campus
Wear Blue Day was started by the Men’s Health Network (a national non-profit organization) to raise awareness about the importance of male health and to encourage men to live longer and healthier lives. Because men live sicker and die younger, they need to be reminded to make healthy lifestyle choices, make regular annual visits to the doctor, get educated on heart disease or diabetes, and start general health conversations with their male friends.
“This might be because we’re less likely than women to have a doctor we see regularly. Whatever the reason for this, we need to do better. Our families and friends need us to focus on our health,” says Al Fitzpayne, Department of Health and Human Services. “Too many men die earlier than the women in their lives from heart disease, diabetes, both of which can be managed with some help from health care providers.”
One way to live a healthier life is by exercising regularly. With S.H.A.P.E. Fitness classes moving back to the Hammond Center as of June 1 as well as an indoor walking track and exercise equipment available, you have no excuses!
On June 18th, St. Francis Manor, Hammond Center for Assisted Living and Seeland Park residents, tenants and staff celebrated “Wear BLUE Day” by showing off their blue and taking a short walk around campus.
“After an unseasonably hot week, it was overcast and breezy at the time of our walk making it perfect for our walkers,” commented Fitness Director Kayla Faas. “The residents and tenants loved being outside and seeing the many beautiful flowers around our wonderful campus.” Thanks to Cindy Strobel and the dietary department, participants enjoyed blue rice krispie bars and bottled water following the walk. Wear BLUE Day is always on the Friday of Men’s Health Week which is also the Friday before Father’s Day.
“The good news is that, working together, we can improve and lengthen the lives of men and boys in our lives, whether they’re dads, fathers, sons, husbands, uncles, boyfriends, friends, or the guy down the street. How? Make a point to celebrate Men’s Health Month. You can do that by encouraging the men and boys in your life to eat right, get exercise, and follow the recommended social distancing,” says Men’s Health Network. And now that protocols are lifted, encourage men in your life to schedule a thorough physical exam (and if they won’t do it, show a little love and make the appointment for them).
