C’mon CHAPS – Sort Out Your Health

The men’s health charity CHAPS is holding a health screening day to encourage men from Essex and Suffolk to get their health checked – in order to save lives.

More than 20 organisations and medical professionals will be at the free event at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, home of Colchester United, on Thursday 27th March, 10am – 4pm.

Event organiser urologist Professor Chris Booth, lead clinician for CHAPS, is urging men of all ages – especially those aged over 50 who are at higher risk of developing life-threatening conditions – to attend.

He said: “Men are notoriously bad at seeking medical attention and far too many die prematurely and unnecessarily because they don’t go to their doctors routinely.  But early detection of prostate cancer, testicular cancer or heart disease can quite literally mean the difference between life and death.”

Last year, 285 men attended during the day and numerous previously unknown abnormalities were detected, including life-threatening aortic aneurysms, a kidney cancer and early prostate cancers, now all treated.

There will be access to the exhibition, stands and medical professionals covering all aspects of men’s mental and physical health, including aortic aneurysm screening, heart checks, prostate cancer screening, diabetes tests, physiotherapy and sports injury detection and treatment.

Supporters and exhibitors at the event include Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE) who will be providing cardiovascular risk assessments to detect for future heart attacks or strokes, Ramsay Colchester Oaks Hospital, the military charity The Invicta Foundation, The Samaritans, as well as Essex Fire and Rescue, to name but a few. There will also be a British Sign Language interpreter for people with hearing impairment.

A veteran car rally will be held outside the venue, put on by the Essex Bentley Drivers Club and the Charity Classic Vehicle Club.

CHAPS, which is supported by an award from the Big Lottery Fund as well as donations and fundraising events, provides speakers on men’s health issues and provides information and advice.

Forthcoming health check days will be at Southend Utd FC on May 19th, Ipswich Town FC on October 16th and one in Clacton in November. On June 7th, CHAPS will join 27 other charities for the huge ‘Wellbeing in the East Show’ being organised by Enable East at Newmarket Racecourse.

For more information on men’s health issues, please visit www.chaps.uk.com or contact Trish Binks on 07734 747854.