Crapo: Take Health Tests Now Before Itâ??s Too Late

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo continued his push to remind Idahoans to take preventive health care measures today as he participated in events on Capitol Hill surrounding National Menâ??s Health Week. This morning, Crapo attended a health screening and had several routine medical tests performed, including a blood pressure check, cholesterol screening, body fat analysis, and an osteoporosis test. The screenings are sponsored by the Menâ??s Health Network as part of National Menâ??s Health Week, June 9-13.â??Sometimes participating in preventive health screenings can be a little disconcerting because the results may not always be what you wanted to hear,â?? Crapo said. â??For example, you may find out that your cholesterol is high or your body fat has increased. But such tests are an invaluable tool to help us stay healthy. When we learn early on about a problem with our health, we have the opportunity to correct it before it becomes a chronic or life-threatening concern. Not too long ago, I was one of those who put off regular health exams, but I have learned through personal experience that early detection and diagnosis, we can live longer, healthier lives. National Menâ??s Health Week can serve as a reminder to all of us that we need to be vigilant in safeguarding our health.â??Since being diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer in 2000, Crapo has become a leading advocate for preventive health issues in the Senate. Most recently, he introduced legislation that would create an Office of Menâ??s Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. The office would mirror the present Office of Womenâ??s Health and provide educational and statistical assistance in promoting menâ??s health issues. Crapo is also planning his third year of preventive health care booths at local Idaho fairs, including fairs in Boise, Filer, Twin Falls, and Coeur dâ??Alene. The Mike Crapo Health Awareness booths offer blood pressure tests, cholesterol screening, and PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests for free or at a reduced costs.A satellite feed with Crapoâ??s comments and b-roll of the health screenings is available today at the following time and coordinates:1:45 to 2:15 p.m. Mountain/12:45 to 1:15 p.m. PacificGalaxy 3Transponder 7 HorizontalDownlink 3840Standard audio# # #FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available after 2:30 p.m. Mountain by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time during or after the greeting and instructions. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at http://crapo.senate.gov or www.senate.gov/src/radio.