Beaufort Memorial Hospital is doing its part to close the gender gap, offering separate seminars for men and women designed to improve their health.

The women’s program will focus on breast care; the men’s forum on common medical problems as well as below-the-belt issues. Both are free and open to the public — and partners and spouses are encouraged to attend either seminar.

<b>Breast health seminar in Sun City</b>

“The Producers” — geared for women — will be presented from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 in the theater at Sun City’s Magnolia Hall. A “cast” of health care professionals, including physicians, nurse navigators, nutritionists and exercise experts, will take the stage to discuss the important role women play in their own breast health.

In keeping with the theater theme, the program will be presented in acts that will cover everything from risk factors to screenings to management options for high-risk patients.

“You can’t just get a mammogram once a year and think you’re done with your responsibility for your breast health,” said Beaufort Memorial Breast Care Coordinator Amy Luce. “There are lots of other things you can do to keep yourself healthy or at least catch breast cancer early when it’s most treatable.”

Recommended lifestyle changes include limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, staying physically active and giving up cigarettes if you smoke.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is available online at bmhsc.org or by calling 522-5585.

<b>Men’s health seminar in Beaufort</b>

“The Man Plan: Taking control of your health” will follow Friday, Nov. 8. The seminar takes place at 8 a.m. at the Quality Inn in Beaufort’s Towne Center and will include a light continental breakfast.

Internist Dr. Robert Vyge, of Beaufort Memorial Lady’s Island Internal Medicine, will discuss the latest advancements in screenings and offer advice on preventing and treating common medical issues. He’ll also talk about lifestyle changes men can make to improve their health.

BMH Urologist Dr. Michael Staley will cover problems specific to men, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), low testosterone and erectile dysfunction.

“Urological issues are most common in older men, but they can occur at any age,” Staley said. “The symptoms, which may include frequent urination, a weak stream or leaking, can make your life miserable. But there’s no reason to suffer when simple, well-tolerated treatment options are available today.”

Staley also will discuss the latest technology in the treatment of prostate cancer, including robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery.

Registration is required to attend either program. To sign up, call 522-5585.
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