FARMINGTON – Healthy Community Coalition and Dr. Michael Parker invite the public to Men’s HealthFest 2005, a free screening and education event, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

Parker, a local urologist, is offering free prostrate screenings. All men will receive PSA screening test (blood test), rectal exam and urine glucose and protein check. Appointments are required, as space is limited. Call 778-4353 to make an appointment.

The coalition will provide free ScoreHealth screenings to all men who have registered for Parker’s screenings. ScoreHealth is a cardiovascular risk assessment program that includes a cholesterol screening, total and HDL, blood pressure check and discussion and education about nutrition, physical activity, tobacco, stress and family history. Results will be given at the end of the screening and can also be sent to the primary care provider. Free healthy refreshments will be provided.

HealthFest also includes other screenings, demonstrations and information, all free with a HealthCard (which can be obtained on site).

Other exhibits include a skin analyzer, American Cancer Society; fatal vision goggles, Farmington Police Department; hearing screenings, Sparkes Hearing Services; back safety and screening, FMH Physical Rehab ad Sports Medicine; eye screenings, Wal-Mart Vision Center; eye safety, Roger Lambert at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Also, personalized quit smoking plan, HCC tobacco specialist; help for the uninsured, Franklin Health Access; basic strength training, HCC physical activity specialist; and diabetes risk assessment.

Prostate cancer screening, beginning at the age of 50, is a man’s best defense against the more advanced incurable stages of prostate cancer. Screening can detect prostate cancer early, and early detection has the potential to decrease both morbidity and mortality.

Appointments are required for Parker’s prostrate screening and ScoreHealth. Call 778-4353 to make an appointment. No registration is needed for other screenings.

The coalition, an affiliate of the Franklin Community Health Network, is a comprehensive, community-based health promotion, education and outreach and prevention organization serving West Central Maine. More information on HealthFest and the coalition is available at www.fchn.org/hcc or by calling 645-3136 or 1-800-525-3136.

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