Life Saving Program at Library

Most men tend to overlook the health of the prostate gland, and it's easy to see why; out of sight, out of mind, so to speak.

However, those men would be making a huge mistake, according to Integrated Medical Foundation executive director Rhonda Samuel.

"One in six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime," she said. "And one in four African-American men."

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), in partnership with the Integrated Medical Foundation and Bostwick Laboratories, sponsored a completely free prostate cancer screening at the Bar Harbor library in Massapequa recently.

Eighty appointments were made and kept, in addition to multiple walk-ins, making the screening a huge success.

Samuel said that the Integrated Medical Foundation holds about 10-12 of these free prostate screenings a year.

"It's a community service...we don't take insurance, and there's no co-pay. The doctors donate their time," she said. "We do many screenings in November, since that's prostate cancer awareness month."

The screenings were held in the library's basement auditorium. Chairs were set up for those waiting. Along the side of the room was the blood test station, after which the patients would proceed to a part of the auditorium closed off by black curtains for the physical exam.

A Massapequa Park resident, who asked to be identified by his first name, Frank,  made his appointment as soon as he heard about the screening.

"I got a letter in the mail announcing the free prostate screenings, so I'm here," he said. "They're going to draw some blood, do a rectal exam, and they're going to send me the report."

Free screenings aren't the only way the Integrated Medical Foundation helps those who may be afflicted with prostate cancer, Samuel said.

"We have support groups that meet once a month...one in Melville, and one in New Hyde Park," she said. "It's for men, their families, and their loved ones. We have doctors and social workers that volunteer to come and speak to the support groups."

Samuel wants men to know that the actual test itself is nothing to get worked up over.

"It's a simple blood test, like when you go and get your cholesterol checked," she said. "Then, there's a digital rectal exam, where the doctor physically feels the prostate with his finger."

Ted D. of North Massapequa agreed that the test was not a big deal.

"It's something that I, like a lot of men, tend to put off, and that's a huge mistake," he said. "The test isn't nearly as bad or invasive as some people might think, so if that's what's putting you off, it's no excuse. This is important to do."

However, Michael Ziegelbaum, one of the doctors performing the exams that day, said that too many men take the health of their prostate for granted.

"I think it's important to raise awareness of what we do," he said. "Some of these men just don't go to doctors, for whatever reason."

Doctor Marc Schumer was also on hand on behalf of Integrated Medical Foundation.

"I think it's important because we're able to encourage people to come out to the screenings," he said. "It's an awareness issue, and we want men to know that there's a group that will support them, and that they'll feel welcome and comfortable when we do the screenings. I personally get a lot of gratification out of it, because these gentlemen appreciate it."

Samuel gave a final important message regarding those nearing middle-age and how simple it can be to safeguard your health.

"As a foundation, we urge all men over 40 to talk to their health care provider about prostate cancer," she said. "If you have a father, a brother, or an uncle who has prostate cancer, talk to your health care provider. It's a simple test, and if diagnosed early, you can be treated."