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Men's Health & Wellness Summit Draws Naples Professionals for a Day of Insight and Empowerment

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 13:54 GMT by gulfcoastnewsnow.com
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Men’s Health & Wellness Summit Draws Naples Professionals for a Day of Insight and Empowerment

On Tuesday, November 12, 2023, the Gulf Coast hosted a robust gathering of men’s health professionals, fitness experts, nutritionists, and community leaders at the Palm Desert Resort in Naples. The “Men’s Health & Wellness Summit”—an annual event organized by the Naples Men’s Wellness Coalition—aimed to spotlight preventive health strategies, mental well‑being, and lifestyle adjustments that can extend life expectancy and improve quality of life for men of all ages.

The Vision Behind the Summit

The coalition’s mission is to reduce preventable illness and mortality among men through education, access to screening, and community engagement. The summit’s tagline, “Health Starts With Knowledge,” reflects its focus on bridging the gap between medical research and everyday lifestyle choices. The event was co‑sponsored by Gulf Coast Hospital, the Naples Men’s Sports Association, and the local chapter of the American Heart Association. Sponsors provided free screening booths, informational brochures, and refreshments throughout the venue.

Keynote Speakers and Their Takeaways

The day’s program opened with a keynote address from Dr. Thomas Nguyen, a board‑certified internist with the Gulf Coast Hospital. Dr. Nguyen emphasized the “Four Pillars of Men’s Health”: cardiovascular care, mental resilience, sexual health, and nutritional balance. He cited recent data indicating that men under 50 are increasingly prone to mental health disorders, with suicide rates up by 5% in the past decade. Dr. Nguyen urged attendees to normalize routine mental health check‑ins and highlighted the hospital’s new men’s counseling wing.

Following Dr. Nguyen, local entrepreneur and fitness coach Alex Ramirez presented a dynamic workshop titled “Movement Matters: Exercise Prescription for Busy Professionals.” Ramirez demonstrated low‑impact routines tailored for desk workers and highlighted the importance of resistance training for bone density. He also launched a free 12‑week online program for participants, featuring weekly video tutorials and nutrition tips.

The summit also featured Dr. Maya Patel, a urologist from the Naples Cancer Center, who discussed the importance of early detection for prostate cancer. She explained the role of PSA testing, digital rectal exams, and emerging imaging techniques. Her session concluded with a live Q&A, during which she encouraged men to schedule annual screenings, especially if they have a family history of prostate issues.

Interactive Booths and Resources

Throughout the day, attendees roamed between interactive booths offering a range of services:

• Cardio Check‑In: Volunteers from the local YMCA measured heart rate variability and provided personalized exercise recommendations.
• Nutrition Corner: Registered dietitians from the University of Florida’s School of Nutrition explained the Mediterranean diet’s benefits and offered tailored meal plans.
• Mental Health Resource Hub: A partnership with the Naples Counseling Center provided free initial assessments, and a mental‑wellness workshop addressed coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and burnout.
• Lifestyle Change Challenge: Participants signed up for a 30‑day “Wellness Challenge,” earning badges for milestones such as “Drink 8 glasses of water daily” and “Get 7 hours of sleep.”

The event also featured a free “Screening Day” where men could receive blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose tests at no cost, thanks to a grant from the state health department. Participants received a personalized health dashboard with suggestions for follow‑up care.

Community Voices and Testimonials

One of the most moving moments of the summit was the “Voices of Men” panel. Former Navy pilot Captain James Torres recounted his experience with post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how attending a similar health summit years ago helped him seek treatment and regain a sense of normalcy. His story resonated with the audience, many of whom shared their own battles with mental health, illustrating that the conversation around men’s wellness has become increasingly open and supportive.

Local high school coach Lisa Garcia spoke about the importance of early life habits. She highlighted her program for youth athletes that includes educational seminars on nutrition, sleep hygiene, and mental focus, underscoring the role of schools in promoting long‑term health.

Registration, Costs, and Accessibility

The summit’s organizers set the registration fee at $45 for residents of Florida, with discounted rates for seniors and families. Registration was conducted online via the event’s dedicated webpage (https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/summit-registration). The page offers a clear schedule, speaker bios, and a FAQ section addressing questions about accessibility, parking, and child care. The event is fully accessible, with wheelchair ramps and assistive listening devices.

The summit’s organizers have also announced that the next event will be held in Tampa in March 2024, promising to expand the panel to include more experts in sexual health and sleep science.

A Call to Action

In closing, the Naples Men’s Wellness Coalition urged every man attending the summit to treat preventive health as an essential part of daily life, not a luxury. By embracing regular check‑ups, engaging in consistent exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and seeking help when needed, men can substantially reduce their risk for chronic diseases and improve overall life satisfaction.

The 2023 Men’s Health & Wellness Summit stands as a testament to the power of community-driven health education. Its success underscores the need for continued efforts to demystify men’s health concerns, break down stigma, and provide accessible resources. The summit’s blend of expert insights, practical tools, and community support offers a blueprint for future events aiming to empower men across the Gulf Coast and beyond.