Members of the Sunshine Coast community experienced an information-packed and lively set of discussions on Friday, Nov. 3 at Chatelech Secondary School – at the third session of MedTalks, hosted by Sechelt Hospital Foundation.
Created as an informative speaker series focused on mental, physical and emotional well-being, and addressing community health interests and population needs, the third MedTalks focused Below the Belt on men’s health and its impacts on family health.
Featured presenters included Dr. Larry Goldenberg, urologic surgeon and founder of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, who stated, “Seventy per cent of men’s health problems are preventable. The combination of four healthy lifestyle factors – maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, and not smoking – can reduce risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and cancers.”
Community members were introduced to health awareness tools YouCheck.ca (men) or eShe.ca; Barry Krangle and Craig Moore shared their personal health journeys in Conquering Fear; and Kate Naphtali, Sunshine Coast’s occupational therapist, concluded the evening with research on PleasureAble – a review of devices to help redefine one’s intimate self after injury or disability.
One-man musical maestro Grant Olsen performed a few Canadian classic songs on acoustic guitar and harmonica to round out the event. Representatives from Prostate Cancer Foundation local Sunshine Coast support group, Canadian Men’s Health Foundation and SeaFoam Juices were on site to share community resources and services.
All MedTalks have been filmed, thanks to the help of Terran Tasci, and are available online; see www.sechelthospitalfoundation.org/med-talks for more information.
– Submitted by Jane Macdonald, Sechelt Hospital Foundation
