Gabe Gross lends support to SAMC's Men's Health Fair

In a 10-year Major League Baseball career, Gabe Gross knew the importance of physical exams. He knew, because they were mandatory. Now that he is retired, and the father of two young children, Gross says he has taken on a new perspective in regards to his health. He shared those thoughts at a June 20 press conference announcing him as spokesman for Southeast Alabama Medical Center’s 20th annual Men’s Health Fair.

Gross says he has two good reasons to continue to take care of his health.

“As I’ve spoken with different radio and television stations today, the biggest thing that comes to my mind is my two children,” Gross said. “I realize how important it is for me to think about being around for a long time – to watch them grow up. It’s just so important.

“As an athlete, you feel invincible. But, men, when it comes to your health, you’re not invincible. You find that out quickly.”

SAMC’s Men’s Health Fair will be held Saturday, August 6, at the Dothan Civic Center. The event will be held from 8-11 a.m. and will include a variety of screenings. Gross, who participated in the 2008 World Series as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, says it is important for men to take advantage of the free screenings offered at the free Men’s Health Fair.

“In spring training, you go through very thorough blood screenings,” said Gross, a three-sport athlete at Northview High School before enjoying a highly successful career on the gridiron and the baseball diamond at Auburn University. “We’re trying to get the word out to get men to get checked out. I give a nod to our Maker for what he has made.”

Attendance at the Men’s Health Fair has grown steadily each year, but, says Dr. Robert Schuyler of Urological Associates of Dothan, it could be better. And, he notes, those who attend could take better advantage of the screenings that are offered free of charge. To drive home his point, Dr. Schuyler reviewed some statistics from the 2010 event.

“Of the 500 men who attended last year, 116 brave souls had a rectal exam,” Dr. Schuyler said. “But, with all of the tests that are offered that are free, only 267 had blood drawn. Of those 267, 217 had some abnormality. Twelve had an abnormal PSA. One hundred twenty-four had abnormal cholesterol readings; 50 had elevated glucose levels, which could lead to diabetes. Twenty had abnormal thyroid levels.

“As a urologist, this is very close to me and my group. It is a fantastic tool for men who don’t like to go to the doctor.”

Blood-drawn tests include PSA, cholesterol, glucose and thyroid.

Non-blood drawn screenings include the following:

» Blood pressure

» Height and weight

» Body fat analysis

» Stroke assessment

» Grip strengthening

» Vision

» COPD

» Depression screening

» Sleep apnea

Modern technology, Gross adds, is a remarkable tool that physicians use in preventive care as well as in treatment for diseases.

“The tests I’ve had on me as an athlete, I just marvel at the technology,” said Gross, who was the 15th player taken in the 2001 Major League Baseball draft. “If they find something, they can make you better. It’s mind-boggling. A lot of us have a ‘can do’ attitude. Point A, you find out if you are healthy. Point B, they find it and treat it.”

He encourages men of all ages to take advantage of the health fair on August 6 in the Dothan Civic Center.