Media Advisory

June 1, 2006
Contact: Kaylyn Dines
Phone: (973) 972-3000
dineskd@umdnj.edu

UMDNJ Hosts Series of Male Health Month Activities in June

MONTCLAIR —Tomorrow, the Young Father's Program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey will kick off a series of Male Health Month activities by hosting a Male Empowerment Conference for about 230 boys, between ages 10 and 14. The conference will take place on Friday, June 2, at 9:30 a.m., at Montclair State University, Student Center, Valley Road and Normal Avenue, Upper Montclair.

"Empowering Men, Strengthening Families, Creating Better Communities" is the theme for the month long activities that have been coordinated by The Young Father’s Program, which is located at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. The conference was designed to help boys cope with issues they encounter and understand the impact positive male role models have on communities and families.

During the one-day conference, Ras Baraka, Newark City Councilman and vice president of Weequahic High School, will address the youth by offering words of inspiration. Workshop topics include: Gang Violence and Crime Prevention; Teens Talking About Sex; Financial Literacy; Conflict Resolution; Anger/Stress Management; Positive and Negative Influences in Music.

According to the Men's Health Network, June 12 to June 18 is National Men’s Health Week. The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.

The activities are free and open to the public. Other activity highlights include:

Wed., June 14, at Noon - New Jersey Symphony Orchestra String Ensemble Presents a Tribute to Fathers, UMDNJ, 65 Bergen Street, 3rd Floor, Newark

Thurs., June 15, at 1 p.m. - Workshop: "Revitalization Through Indonesian Breathing Techniques" - UMDNJ-University Hospital, 150 Bergen Street, B-Level/Gymnasium, Newark

Friday, June 16, 9:30 a.m. - Celebrating Family Life (tours and exhibits), Newark Museum, Washington Street, Newark

For information about additional activities, call Charles Dixon, of the Young Father's Program at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, at 973-972-5531. Or, call Kaylyn Dines at 973-972-5000 or 973-972-7276.