| Mississippi Department of Health to Hold Free "Take Charge of Your Health" Event in Brookhaven |
October 19, 2005 — The Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) along with various health partners will challenge southwestern Mississippians to take charge of their health during a free health screening event on Thursday, October 20 in Brookhaven.
The event is free to the public and will be held from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department located at 689 Highway 51 North in Brookhaven.
Southwest Mississippians can receive various health screenings and advice from health experts on how to lead a healthier life. During the event, health officials will offer health indicator assessments and screenings for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood sugar, dental screenings and scoliosis screenings. Health experts will also offer the latest educational material and information on preventive health issues.
"Anyone can make healthy decisions when they are armed with the knowledge to do so," said Victor Sutton, MDH's Director of Preventive Health. "If Mississippians know where they stand in relation to their health, they will know the outcome of any health-related decision they make."
Also, MDH is now offering every Mississippian access to free health toolkits available on the new "Take Charge of Your Health" pages at www.HealthyMS.com/HealthyLiving. The toolkits can be used by individuals, churches, schools or businesses as well as health educators and worksite wellness coordinators.
Health officials say now is the time for Mississippians to take steps toward making healthy decisions. While there is no quick fix to good health, MDH's health toolkits are designed to empower and equip Mississippians to live healthier lives. The public can use the new features as a way to learn, plan and begin progress towards better health.
"Deciding how to begin making healthy decisions can be a puzzling and daunting task," said Sutton. "These toolkits will make decision-making easier for Mississippians."
For more information, the public can contact MDH at 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948) or visit www.HealthyMS.com.
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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot or Kelly Shannon, (601) 576-7667 | 
