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Bridgeport Hospital Holds Men's Health Symposium

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 13:03 GMT by Patch
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Bridgeport Hospital Announces Men’s Health Symposium to Spotlight Prevention and Early Detection

Bridgeport, Conn. — Bridgeport Hospital has unveiled plans for a comprehensive men’s health symposium slated for May 12 – 13, a two‑day event designed to raise awareness about the most pressing health challenges facing men in the region. The symposium, organized by the hospital’s Department of Urology and the Office of Patient Advocacy, will feature expert speakers, interactive workshops, and free health screenings aimed at promoting early detection and preventive care.

Why the Symposium Matters

Men’s health often receives less public attention than women’s, yet statistics show that men are more likely to develop serious conditions such as prostate cancer, heart disease, and diabetes before they receive timely care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States are 1.7 times more likely than women to die from heart disease and 1.4 times more likely to die from cancer. Bridgeport Hospital’s initiative reflects a broader effort within the medical community to address these disparities through education and early intervention.

Event Highlights

The symposium will convene a range of specialists, including Dr. James L. O’Neill, chief of urology at Bridgeport Hospital, and Dr. Maria Ramirez, a cardiologist from the nearby Yale New Haven Health system. Key topics will include:

• Prostate Health and Screening: Dr. O’Neill will discuss the latest guidelines for PSA testing, biopsy techniques, and emerging treatments for localized prostate cancer. He will also address how lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can influence prostate health.

• Cardiovascular Care for Men: Dr. Ramirez will present a session on the unique risk profile of men for heart disease, covering risk assessment tools, lifestyle modification strategies, and the importance of routine check‑ups. The talk will feature a demonstration of the new non‑invasive cardiac stress testing available at Bridgeport Hospital.

• Mental Health and Substance Use: A panel of psychiatrists and addiction specialists will explore mental health challenges specific to men, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. They will also highlight resources such as the hospital’s newly launched “Men’s Mental Health” support line and the Bridgeport Recovery Center.

• Nutrition and Fitness: The symposium will host a nutrition workshop led by a registered dietitian from the hospital’s Wellness Center, focusing on a heart‑healthy diet tailored to male physiology. A fitness instructor will demonstrate exercises designed to improve flexibility, balance, and core strength—areas often overlooked in traditional fitness programs.

Community Involvement and Partnerships

The event will be held in the hospital’s Community Education Center, with support from local businesses and civic organizations. In partnership with the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bridgeport’s Health Department, the symposium will provide complimentary health screenings for attendees, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, and prostate health consultations.

Local leaders, such as Mayor John J. McGreevy and councilwoman Lisa L. DeMille, are expected to deliver opening remarks emphasizing the importance of men’s health initiatives in fostering a healthier community. “Men’s health is a public health priority,” said Mayor McGreevy in a pre‑event interview. “By bringing experts together and offering free screenings, we’re taking a proactive step toward reducing preventable illnesses in Bridgeport.”

Target Audience and Access

While the symposium is open to the public, it specifically targets men aged 40 and older, a demographic identified by Bridgeport Hospital’s health data as having the highest incidence of cardiovascular and oncologic diseases. However, the hospital has stated that families, caregivers, and health professionals are also welcome, acknowledging that a supportive network can influence men’s health outcomes.

Tickets for the symposium will be available through the hospital’s website, with priority given to low‑income and uninsured attendees via a “Bridgeport Health Equity” voucher program. The hospital’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Angela P. Martinez, will coordinate this initiative, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation.

Looking Ahead

Bridgeport Hospital’s men’s health symposium reflects a growing trend among U.S. hospitals to tailor health education to specific populations. Similar events are already underway at neighboring institutions, such as the Hartford Hospital’s “MensHealth 2025” program and the Stamford Hospital’s “Blue Ribbon Men’s Health Initiative.” These efforts underscore the need for localized, targeted health interventions that address disparities in preventive care.

In the words of Dr. O’Neill, “Our goal is to give men the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health.” By combining expert insight, hands‑on education, and free screenings, the symposium aims to create a lasting impact on men’s health outcomes across the Bridgeport area and beyond. The event’s success will serve as a model for other communities seeking to close the gap in men’s health disparities and promote early detection, ultimately improving quality of life and longevity for men throughout Connecticut.