A Prince George man walks into a room.
No, it's not the beginning of a silly joke.
It's the start of Men's Health Day this Saturday at the University Hospital of Northern B.C.
The format for January's Men's Health Day looks a bit different than those in the past.
The first part will see all the men signed up for the morning or afternoon session gathered in one room where a health practitioner will explain the ins (the digital rectal exam) and the outs (turn your head and cough) of men's good health before the individual appointments begin for their specific issues.
"During their individual appointments the doctor will go over what tests they've had and which ones they should have," said Ross Birchall, chair of the Prince George Rotary Club Men's Health Initiative.
Martin West is a local man who diligently goes to the doctor on an annual basis and attended a Men's Health Day to make sure he was in tip top condition.
"There are so many people who are just completely silent on men's health issues," said West.
"We need to spread the word about these Men's Health Days. Guys gotta start doing this stuff or they're going to be in big trouble and then it's too late.
"Men generally don't like to talk about health problems. We try to just suck it up and get over it - that's how men are but that's got to change. So this clinic is a great idea. People have to get out to that clinic and that's the start of raising awareness."
Birchall said the key to success of Men's Health Days is they are held on a Saturday when some men can actually make it to an appointment without taking time off work.
Issues that will be addressed include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, cardiovascular health and diabetes - all of the big things that specifically affect men, said Birchall.
"The January clinic is always the one that fills up the fastest because it's a new year and people are saying that they need to take care of their health this year," said Birchall.
Funding for Men's Health Days is provided through the Big Blue Ball annual fundraising event presented by the Rotary Club of Prince George.
To register for Men's Health Day call 250-617-2711 or visit www.thebigblueball.ca.
