In an age of low calories, and diet this and zero trans-fat that, it’s easy to see examples that we live in a health-conscious era.

Although many women have caught onto the trend quickly, it seems many men still have some catching up to do. Since June is designated as men’s health month, the Men of Color initiative at MATC organized a men’s health information fair June 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Five health organizations participated in the health fair: Froedtert Hospital, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Health Department, the Milwaukee Department on Aging, and the Department for Men’s Health.

Froedtert Hospital had two booths at the event. The first booth focused on cardiovascular disease, and they offered free blood pressure screenings. The second booth shared information about the health risks involved with smoking. To emphasize the risk smoking has on one’s lungs, they had a display of pig lungs. One set of healthy lungs and a second set charred black, after one year of smoking, were shown. They also provided information on various cancers caused by smoking.

The Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center focused primarily on colon and prostate cancer screenings. They believe in early screenings to prevent major health risks.

The Milwaukee Health Department specializes in general health-based scenarios in the city ranging from potential illness outbreaks to providing information to youth about STIs (sexually transmitted infections). The Health Department also provides services to citizens including child care, Medicaid, Badgercare, Foodshare and Marketplace assistance.

The Department for Men’s Health is a group focused on providing men of all ages the needed aid and information required to live a healthy life; this includes blood pressure screenings, cancer screenings, and preventing STI outbreaks.

The Milwaukee Department on Aging (DOA) focuses on assisting people age 60 and older.They provide their patients with both transport and food. The department also specializes in helping people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and has in-depth assistive care information on their website. A spokesperson from the DOA said, “We want the public to know there is help available for their older relatives.”

Major Cooper, health fair host and Men of Color program advisor, was asked the following questions, and here are his answers. Is this the first year the health fair has been held?  “No, this is our second year.” Did any other groups have a hand in supporting this event? “No, this was strictly a Men of Color event.”

What inspired the establishment of this event? “We found that a lot of men don’t go to the doctor …we hope students will gain some information in a more familiar environment.”

Will you be holding this event again next year? “Yes, next June.”