Health Screening in Redskins Locker Room for Veterans and Their Families
On Saturday November 8th, over 700 veterans and their families attended a health screening event at FedExField. In addition to learning more about their current health status, and receiving information about more effectively managing their health, all attendees were able to tour the Redskins locker room as well as get a players perspective of the stadium.
Participating male and female Veteran's had the opportunity to receive a comprehensive series of free health screenings. Screenings included cholesterol, diabetes, osteoporosis, blood pressure, prostate exams, body fat, grip strength and patient education materials. In addition to screening and health education, the Hogettes and Redskins Cheerleaders were also there to lend their support and meet the veterans and their families.
For the past two years, the Redskins and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals have been partnering on a series of health & wellness related events in addition to the Timeout For Veteran's Health event. Other events have included events targeted towards prostate health awareness, breast cancer awareness, and childhood obesity. Men's Health Network, American Heart Association, Prostate Cancer Education Council, and 13 Veteran Service Organizations also participated in the event.
Feedback on the event was very positive all around. "It's sort of like killing two birds with one stone, you get to see the Redskins stuff you want while at the same time taking care of your health; it's a pretty good deal, " one Veteran stated.
Why are these types of events important? "Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are common, costly, and getting worse," according to Mark Weihmann, Director - Strategic Initiatives, at GlaxoSmithKline. "Programs such as the Timeout For Veteran's Health event are one way to increase the publics health awareness by promoting overall health and wellness as a way to prevent chronic diseases, and for earlier appropriate interventions that can potentially help more effectively manage chronic diseases, and can help avoid costly complications from chronic diseases. "Prevention and intervention are just two ways to achieve better quality health, as well as lower overall healthcare costs in the United States," he further added.
Men's Health Network has partnered with the Redskins and GlaxoSmithKline on a number of prostate health focused events in addition to the Timeout for Veteran's Health event. Scott Williams, Vice President at Men's Health Network, feels these events are important because, "It is a great way to give something back to those who have served our country. Men's Health Network is committed to providing pertinent health education and screenings to Veterans and their families in an environment they trust."
By all accounts the event was a success! Health information, health screening, the Redskins, the Hogettes, and so much more really added up to a winning combo for the men and women Veterans who have given so much for our country!
