Men’s health issues focus of seminar
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A free community program designed to provide education and awareness about men’s health issues is set for the conference center at The Aroostook Medical Center’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The TAMC Men’s Health Seminar will provide men the opportunity to hear about key health issues they might face, and to meet and speak with medical providers about other important topics. The agenda includes a discussion of symptoms and treatments related to overactive bladder, benign prostatic hypertrophy and erectile dysfunction, as well as other men’s health concerns.
The event will include a light dinner that will be provided at no charge to participants as part of the program. Men and their spouses or significant others are welcome to take part. Pre-registration is required. “We wanted to host an event where men, especially those 40 and older, could come together — with their spouses and partners if they wish — to learn about common health issues,” said TAMC urologist Richard J. Leidinger, M.D. who, along with his colleague Gary A. Wikert, M.D., will present at the seminar.
“As providers, we find that a good number of men have questions about their own health and well-being that they don’t always ask,” said Leidinger. “By providing this opportunity, we hope to eliminate some of the barriers and open up a dialogue to encourage men who attend to be more aware of, and engaged with, what their bodies are telling them.”
The hospital’s urology providers will present information at the seminar in an informal and approachable way so as to avoid any discomfort related to the subject areas. A meet-and-greet time will follow presentations to allow participants to ask questions.
Take-home information on a variety of conditions and treatment options will be available for attendees to continue to educate themselves following the seminar. Materials will also be provided for participants to speak about referral options with their primary care providers.
TAMC Urology Services is partnering with Boston Scientific to host the seminar. Drs. Leidinger and Wikert provide services in Presque Isle, at the Caribou Health Center and at Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent. Both physicians are certified with the American Board of Urology. Leidinger additionally is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Before joining TAMC, Leidinger served as chief of the division of urology at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (Togus) in Augusta. He also previously worked at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport. He earned his medical degree at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, and completed both a surgical internship and urology residency at Naval Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Calif.
Wikert practiced at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville, Tenn., as well as at hospitals and military hospitals in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Hawaii. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga. Wikert completed his internship at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., and his urology residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
For more information or to register for the seminar visit www.tamc.org or call 768-4033.
