Suffolk Officials Ask Residents to “Get Your Rear in Gear”
February 28, 2014
Suffolk Officials Ask Residents to “Get Your Rear in Gear”
Go out and Go Blue for the Academy Awards and National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken urge residents to step out to “Main Streets Go Blue” in Riverhead next week, beginning Sunday, to view the Academy Awards in grand style, while supporting local businesses and calling awareness to colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.
“I commend the Riverhead business district, the Suffolk County Cancer Services Program, Peconic Bay Medical Center and the American Cancer Society for tackling the tough subject of colorectal cancer, one that no one is comfortable talking about, and making it a lot of fun,” said Bellone.
During “Main Streets Go Blue,” a week-long event, Riverhead businesses will be decked or lighted in blue. The week kicks off Sunday evening with the Oscars at tRP, where attendees, dressed in their finest attire, will pose on the “blue carpet” for photographers. Photos will be judged by fans on Facebook, and the photo with the most “likes” will receive dinner for two. The evening will continue with the Academy Awards, dinner and a special blue drink called “Bottoms Up,” created in honor of colorectal awareness. Prizes include $1,000 cash, two nights at Riverhead Hyatt Place, $100 gift card from Tanger Outlets and a free colonoscopy at Peconic Bay Medical Center. All week long businesses will engage employees and customers with posters, giveaways and educational material.
“Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death, but with regular screening it is preventable,” said James Tomarken. “By making the words colon, colorectal and colonoscopy a part of everyday conversation, we believe we can help people to overcome their fear and ultimately decrease illness and death from this largely preventable cancer.”
“The risk of colon cancer increases with age; encouraging everyone 50 plus to get screened is a proactive step in the prevention of colon cancer,” said Andrew Mitchell, President & CEO of PBMC Health and Peconic Bay Medical Center. “Engaging businesses in championing preventive care is an essential collaboration towards decreasing late-stage diagnosis and increasing survivorship. PBMC Health will continue to position ourselves to be at the forefront for our community in fighting colon cancer through education, community awareness and access to expert physicians that deliver comprehensive treatment and care.”
The county, too, will be participating in Go Blue by asking county employees to dress in blue on March 7th and lighting the Dennison building in blue that same day in observance of colorectal cancer awareness month. Bulletins on colorectal cancer awareness have been sent out to local libraries, civic associations, town halls and villages and community partners.