Hundreds learn their numbers during Health Awareness Day 2009

at Medical Mall

 

Jackson, MS- If it were not for Mississippi Health Awareness Day 2009, dozens would not know they are at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.  These are silent killers and were the focus of FREE health screenings at the Jackson Medical Mall Thad Cochran Center. 

 

Nearly 400 Mississippians took advantage of the day and received at least one screening at the Medical Mall.  This year’s theme was “Know Your Numbers,” which refers to the numbers that have a real effect on your life, like your cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index, and blood pressure.  

 

“People knowing their numbers is very important.  They shouldn't depend on how they feel. They should depend on knowing those numbers," said Dr. Samuel Okoye, creator of Mississippi Health Awareness Day and founder of Community Outreach for Health Awareness (COHA), a coalition of several state health and education agencies.

  

In 2006, the state legislature designated Health Awareness Day as the third Thursday in January and the first observance took place a year later.  The day is recognized in hopes of fostering healthy lifestyles and focusing on the need for disease prevention across the state. 

 

The Mississippi State Medical Association ranks our state as number one in most unhealthy citizens.  Dr. Okoye says Health Awareness Day helps identify those citizens and gets them the medical attention they need.  He says disease prevention through regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle will save you money in the long-run and could save your life.  Nurses referred those who had an abnormal reading to their primary medical provider or another doctor.

 

            Six elementary students placed in the Health Awareness poster contest.  They each were presented with a bicycle.  This year’s first place winner, Alonso Henry, a first grader at Neshoba Central Elementary School in Neshoba County, also won a DVD player.

 

The Jackson Medical Mall served as the central Mississippi site for Health Awareness Day.  There were 20 other sites throughout the state.