KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A Kansas City, Kansas Health Fair and block party Saturday at New Bethel Church on Saturday aimed to get more people the vital checkups that could save their lives..
Hundreds of people gathered for a 5k walk and run, followed by access to free health screenings like breast exams and heart tests.
Steve Hentzen is an advocate for prostate cancer screenings. He said he didn’t always take care of his health.
“I took mine for granted, but I don’t anymore,” said Hentzen.
At 46 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He said if it weren’t for a routine screening it could have been too late.
“For whatever reason my doctor was like… he checked off the form to do this PSA test and thank god he did because I had an aggressive form of prostate cancer,” he said.
“This is what it’s all about. We are trying to promote health in our community,” said Broderick Crawford. He’s Community Health Director for the NBC Community Development Corporation.
“It’s very important for particularly for African Americans to understand the importance of getting screened and getting their health checked. In the zip code of 101 African Americans have the worst in any disease population you want to choose,” said Crawford.
Hentzen said he’s proof a simple check-up can save your life.
“I believe that you can stack the deck in your favor if you eat right and you exercise you can make a huge difference and getting screened is super key as well,” said Hentzen.
This Father’s Day is Prostate Cancer Awareness Day at “The K”. The Prostate Cancer Networking Group is partnering with the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Royals to help raise awareness about prostate cancer.
Block tickets in the Outfield Plaza are reserved for $40. The special tickets include a t-shirt.
To buy tickets and learn more visit: http://www.prostatenetwork.org
