Carson Kusti, a representative of the Onslow County Health Department, spoke on Onslow County Today about the department's men's health awareness activities and the importance of preventive screening.

Kusti said men often delay care and that early screening for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure can prevent long-term problems. "We wanna kinda reduce the stigma of that tough it out mindset and encourage these guys to come in and get screened for these preventive illnesses," he said.

The health department offers yearly physicals that include height, weight, BMI and basic checks of heart and lungs, and it can arrange appropriate blood work or further referrals when abnormalities are found. Kusti also highlighted mental-health awareness, substance-use concerns and the family-planning waiver that covers yearly exams and up to six subsequent problem visits.

Kusti encouraged men to contact the Onslow County Health Department via the county website to schedule appointments and said outreach materials and displays are being used to raise awareness in the community.