United Way of the National Capital Area and Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States Host Free Health Screening Event “Real Men Get Checked”

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 18, 2011, United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) and Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States are partnering to provide free health screenings in Washington, D.C. This free event, Real Men Get Checked, is open to everyone, but focuses on encouraging men – who statistically seek preventive care less frequently than women – to take positive control over their health. The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. outside the D.C. Armory, adjacent to RFK Stadium. In case of bad weather, the event will be inside the Armory.

The screenings and counseling will be conducted by registered nurses, doctors and trained volunteers on: diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, glaucoma and eye exams, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and others.

"Real Men Get Checked will engage men –  and their families – in health access and education, and empower them to think proactively about their health care needs," said Maritha Gay, senior director community benefit, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States. "The health screenings at this free community event are unique from many others due to the commitment to follow up care. Coordination with local medical facilities and community health organizations ensures that any health problems discovered receive appropriate follow-up and treatment after the event."  

Many health problems specific to men are extremely prevalent in the D.C. metro area and can be life-threatening. United Way NCA is committed to raising awareness of the benefits of regular screenings and informing at-risk communities about health organizations that service their community. Many of these organizations are part of the United Way NCA network.  Community Partners for this event include The Metropolitan Police Department, D.C. Fire and Emergency Services Department and The D.C. National Guard.   Special thanks to Get Checked 4 Life, Inc. which inspired this exciting event.

Real Men Get Checked is taking place Father's Day weekend, and will be a family event. In addition to the valuable health services, there will be a live DJ, games, a kid's fitness program, prizes and even free barber services.

To find out more about "Real Men Get Checked," Visit  http://www.UnitedWayNCA.org/RealMenGetChecked.  

About United Way of the National Capital Area

Focusing on the critical areas of Education, Income and Health, United Way of the National Capital Area and our nonprofit members not only provide immediate relief of social problems affecting our community, but also works to alleviate the underlying causes of these issues. Serving the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery and Prince George's Counties for more than 35 years, we work to inspire acts of caring, deliver hope and improve lives. For more information about United Way of the National Capital Area, visit www.unitedwaynca.org

About Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States

Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States region, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, provides and coordinates complete health care services for almost 500,000 members through 30 medical centers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.  Founded in 1980, Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States is a total health organization comprised of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., and the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, P.C., an independent medical group that features approximately 900 physicians who provide or arrange care for patients throughout the area.  Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States is considered one of Maryland's "Top HMOs," according to the Maryland Health Care Commission.  The health plan was ranked in the nation's 100 top commercial health plans and 20 top Medicare health plans – and the #1 Medicare plan for Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. – by "NCQA Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-2011 Private."  For more information about Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, visit www.kp.org or follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/KPMidAtlantic.

SOURCE United Way of the National Capital Area