On Saturday, Nov. 7, more than 900 veterans and their families attended a free health screening event as part of "Time Out For Veteran’s Health" 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 the stadium.
Participating male and female veterans had the opportunity to receive a comprehensive series of free health screenings.
Screenings included those for asthma, COPD, mammograms, ocular exams, HIV, cholesterol, diabetes, osteoporosis, blood pressure, prostate exams, body fat and overall strength. Corresponding patient education materials were distributed.
Joe Theismann, the Hogettes and the Redskins Cheerleaders were all on hand there to lend their support and meet the veterans and their families.
“A lot of my friends are military veterans, so I feel a personal connection. I’m excited to support this outstanding event,” Theismann said. “Military veterans have protected our country--and now I would like to help them make sure their health is protected, too. Getting appropriate health screenings is the first step to learning more about chronic diseases and how they can stay healthy.”
For the past three years, the Redskins and GlaxoSmithKline have been partnering on a series of health & wellness related events.
In addition to the Time Out For Veteran’s Health screenings, other events have included those targeting prostate health awareness, breast cancer awareness and childhood obesity.
Regarding the Nov. 7 event, veterans were appreciative of the fact that they were given the free opportunity to increase their overall health consciousness. And, of course, the chance to do as much at FedExField, the NFL’s largest venue, was an exciting bonus.
“Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are common, costly and getting worse,” according to Mark Weihmann, Director of Strategic Initiatives at GlaxoSmithKline. “Programs such as the Timeout For Veteran’s Health event are one way to increase the public’s health awareness by promoting overall health and wellness as a way to prevent chronic diseases.”
Weihmann went on to emphasize that early appropriate interventions can 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 health care costs in the U.S.,” he said.
Men’s Health Network has partnered with the Redskins and GlaxoSmithKline on a number of prostate health-focused events in addition to the Time Out for Veteran’s Health event.
Scott Williams, vice president at Men’s Health Network, feels these events are important.
Says Williams: “It’s 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.”
Chronic diseases in the United States are common, costly, and getting worse, medical experts say. For example, 49 percent of Americans have one or more chronic diseases. To learn more visit www.ForAHealthierAmerica.com.
