More than 100 New Jersey men are now better informed about their health thanks to former NFL great, Harry Carson, who attended Hackensack Meridian Health’s (HMH) annual Men’s Health Fair at the Hackensack Recreation on Holt Street in Hackensack, New Jersey.
The health fair screened men for diabetes, asthma and blood pressure and were given access to some of the best doctors in men’s health to answer their questions. Attendees were also given at-home colon cancer screening tests. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
The event was sponsored by the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), the Hackensack University Medical Center’s Department of Urology, the Hackensack Meridian Health Community Outreach Division, and Quest Diagnostics.
Prioritizing Men’s Health
The day started with opening remarks by Carson who encouraged men, especially African American men, on the need to be screened for prostate cancer. African American men are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer over white men and other men of color.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about 2 to 3 men will die from prostate cancer. But screening saves lives and men were left encouraged after the event, organizers said.
“Men don’t always prioritize their well-being,” said Michael D. Stifelman, M.D., chair of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center, director of Robotic Surgery and co-director of Urologic Oncology at John Theurer Cancer Center.
“At our hospital, we’re committed to changing that narrative. By offering free health screenings, we’re empowering men to take control of their health and catch potential issues early,” Stifelman added.
Community Support
Carson was joined by Hackensack Mayor John P. Labrosse Jr. and Bergen County Executive, James J. Tedesco III, who shared his prostate cancer battle with the attendees. Other Bergen County executives were also in attendance.
As many as 23 vendors, including HMH departments and community partners, provided assistance and information. Screenings were provided at no cost to participants thanks to Quest Diagnostics, headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Quest’s Vice President of Medical Affairs, Yuri Fesko, MD, a board-certified oncologist, was in attendance to discuss the importance of screenings and new innovations in prostate cancer testing.
Additional sponsors included medical technology company, Becton Dickinson; the Hackensack Health Department Stigma Free; the non-profit, Jamaica Organization of New Jersey; BVMI; and others.
Carson is a Super Bowl XXI Champion, when the Giants defeated the Denver Broncos 39-20. He is a 2006 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, 2002 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee, and New York Giants Ring of Honor. The former linebacker played with the New York Giants for 13 years.
Awareness and Self Care
The prostate gland is located at the base of the bladder. When the prostate becomes enlarged — also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — urination problems can occur.
Some symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include:
- Frequent and strong urge to urinate, especially at night
- Leaking or dribbling of urine
- Decreased libido
As many as half of all men are dealing with these issues by age 60, Hackensack Meridian Health said in a statement.
While the exact cause of BPH is unknown, it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels as men age, causing the prostate gland to grow.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is every September but the week of Sept. 23 is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Awareness Week. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — also known as prostate enlargement — is a noncancerous condition that causes the prostate gland to grow larger. It’s the most common prostate condition in men over 50.
What’s New in Treating Enlarged Prostate
A revolutionary treatment used to treat BPH at Hackensack Meridian Health employs artificial intelligence, robotics, and water. This innovative approach to a common condition significantly reduces side effects associated with traditional treatments, including erectile dysfunction.
Hackensack University Medical Center is the first in the world to employ what’s known as Aquablation Therapy with the new HYDROS Robotic System to treat enlarged prostate.
“This innovative technology allows us to remove enlarged prostate tissue with unparalleled accuracy, minimizing complications and maximizing patient comfort,” said Michael D. Stifelman, MD, chair of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center and director of Robotic Surgery and co-director of Urologic Oncology at John Theurer Cancer Center.
Hackensack University Medical Center is ranked 17th of the Top 50 nationally ranked Urology programs in the country according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospitals list.
“Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to bringing cutting-edge technologies to my patients, and the HYDROS System represents the pinnacle of that pursuit. It is not just an evolution in BPH treatment; it is a revolution in men’s health,” said Ravi Munver, MD, FACS, vice chair, Department of Urology and director of Minimally Invasive & Robotic Urologic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.
“We are not merely treating symptoms. We are restoring quality of life without compromise. The fusion of AI precision and robotic execution allows us to tailor treatments with unprecedented accuracy. But beyond the technology, what truly drives me is ensuring the best patient care with a personal touch,” Munver added.
“We’re so proud Hackensack University Medical Center is the first hospital in the world to offer a revolutionary new treatment for enlarged prostate,” said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president, Northern Region, Hackensack Meridian Health. “This marks a significant milestone in men’s health.”
“Our goal at Hackensack University Medical Center is to provide clinical excellence with innovative technology. The patient centered model is focused on patients safety and quality,” said Lisa Tank, MD, FACP, acting president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center.
“The future of medicine is personalized, precise, and minimally invasive. This new procedure embodies all three,” Tank added.
For more information on Aquablation therapy, visit aquablation.com. Click here to learn more about urology advancements happening at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center and to book an appointment.
