Some Albany and Dougherty County men are a little more aware of their possible health problems Thursday.
Hundreds of men went to the Government Center for free prostate exams, blood pressure tests, and body mass index readings.
This is the seventh year for "Men At Work," and one Dougherty County worker says it has saved lives over the years.
"We have had about three or four discoveries of employees with serious problems that they were not aware of. Those problems have been corrected and they are healthier employees now who are still with us," said Dougherty County Resource Specialist Charlie Crapps.
Darrell Sabbs works for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, which sponsors "Men At Work." He says having the screenings in a public place helped get over one hundred men get checked.
"We're moving outside the walls of the hospital. And we're bringing prostate screening and awareness and prevention to men in our community."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men according to the CDC. Men are told to get a prostate exam after they turn fifty years old.
"As most men are, especially African-Americans, we're very concerned about prostate illness and disease that come with it as we age. So, I'm doing my best to keep a check on it," said Chucky Mathis, Assistant Public Works Director for Dougherty County.
But, some younger men showed up for the health screenings too. "I'm kind of young so this is not something you do every day, but it's very important to your living. So, I came today to see exactly what I need to work on my health," said Dougherty Co. Tax Appraiser Rakesh Abad.
Most men came back with good reports. But, many were told they need to drink more water. Changes like that can keep Dougherty County men at work.
The hospital says men with a family history of prostate cancer should get checked when they turn thirty-five.
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