Life & Health: Cruise for a Cure
By: Laura Hartog
Updated: June 28, 2012
The Pirate Parrot, in partnership with Mosites Motorsports, began his 700-mile journey on June 25. During the cross-state trip and back, the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team mascot will make three stops: Altoona, Philadelphia, and State College.
The purpose of the ride is to raise funds for prostate cancer research while also raising awareness about the disease. Sponsors of the "Cruise for the Cure" can make donations at Mount Nittany Medical Center's stop. They can also donate online at pirates.com/cruise.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 12,000 men in the state will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012. The disease is most commonly diagnosed among men over the age of 65 and the risk tends to be higher for those with prior family history, according to Dr. Miller.
While there is no known way to prevent prostate cancer, to minimize the risk, Dr. Miller says, "Lead a healthy lifestyle. Eat less meat, less salt, and more fresh fruits and vegetables."
Extra incentives for contributing at the State College stop (depending upon the amount) include: an inflatable Pirate Parrot doll, a Pirate plush doll, a "Cruise for the Cure" bobblehead, an autographed players card of a member of the 2012 Pirates and two tickets to the Pirates Sunday, July 22 game VS. the Miami Marlins.
Accompanying the Pirate Parrot at Mount Nittany Medical Center will be the Pirates Cannonball Crew and Ike the Spike, the mascot of the State College Spikes, the Pirates single-A short-season affiliate.
About Prostate Cancer:
Problems with the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system) become more common as a man ages. These problems include prostate cancer, a common cancer in men. This cancer can often be cured or controlled, especially if it is found and treated early. Screening tests help detect prostate cancer before it causes any symptoms.
Screening for prostate cancer is done with a physical exam and blood tests. These tests can help determine whether it is likely that you have cancer. The American Urological Association recommends that men with risk factors begin yearly screening at age 40. Men with no risk factors are offered yearly screening at age 50
More details: http://www.mountnittany.org/articles/healthsheets/5673
