Editorial By: Commissioner Michael “Shane” Sinegal

With Father’s Day just around the corner, many are wondering how to show your appreciation to the men in your life.  As a father and also one who has watched my brother experience and survive prostate cancer, I suggest that the “best gift” is to encourage your loved ones to adopt good health!

Public health is a regional concern for me in my role as Jefferson County Commissioner of Precinct 3, and I am proud to serve as the 2017 Honorary Chair of the Gift of Life’s Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer Screening Initiative during June, National Men’s Health Month. The responsibilities of this position are extremely important to me because this endeavor heightens community awareness about men’s physical health and diseases such as prostate cancer, while also enlisting men to take care of themselves through early healthcare intervention and prevention.

Southeast Texas is fortunate to have an organization like the Gift of Life that directly impacts and serves local men who lack health insurance or can’t afford their high deductible. The Gift of Life is uniquely positioned to address the serious state of men’s health in Southeast Texas by advancing medical care and healthy lifestyle education so that all men can enjoy a healthier and longer life with their loved ones.

During June, the Gift of Life will host free men’s health and prostate cancer screenings from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm (noon) in Beaumont, Orange and Port Arthur on three Saturdays: June 3 at the Beaumont Civic Center, June 10 at the Lamar State College Orange Student Center and June 24 at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center. Eligible men are invited to register and attend one of the screenings where the Gift of Life, along with a team of remarkable health and educational partners, will make available free PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, as well as screenings for cholesterol, HIV, Hepatitis C, blood sugar and blood pressure. Local physicians will be on-site to provide consultations, discuss the significance of results and provide information about healthy lifestyle practices. Men who might otherwise not be able to see a doctor are afforded peace of mind and lifesaving knowledge at these important events.

In addition to paying for the screenings and event arrangements, the Gift of Life assumes all medical costs for men with abnormal PSAs, including their diagnostic follow-up care and prostate cancer treatment, when needed.

Through the Gift of Life’s collaborative healthcare initiatives with compassionate regional medical entities and organizations, men who enter its care experience quality care by concerned and dedicated professionals. This is a gift that cannot be quantified, but makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our citizens.

I encourage men who have limited insurance or no insurance to call the Gift of Life and take advantage of its medical and educational services.  With the Gift of Life, help is never beyond reach.  For information, visit giftoflifebmt.org or call the Gift of Life at 409.833.3663 or its 24-hour hotline at 409.860.3369.

This Father’s Day, please encourage the men you love to take the time to care for themselves, as this is truly the gift that lasts a lifetime.