Profile:
Luvenia W. Cowart,
Ed.D., R.N. |
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The neighborhood barbershop. It’s a place for men to gather, get a trim, have a close shave … and learn about prostate cancer?
“For many men, health is not a main concern. They don’t seek out health information. That’s why the barbershop is a great place to teach minority men about important health issues. It’s a place where they feel comfortable,” says Dr. Luvenia W. Cowart, director of the Barbershop Education Program for Prostate Cancer.
The program is conducted on Saturdays in six barbershops in the Syracuse, New York, area.
While waiting for haircuts or shaves, men learn about prostate cancer risks and check-ups that can help them. There are videos, brochures, posters, one-to-one conversations and more.
“We use materials that are culturally relevant and appealing to African American men,” says Cowart. “We think about everything — colors, photos, music, words. Every phrase is important. Every picture is purposeful.”
Most important, Cowart and partner, Betty Brown, retired oncology nurse, talk to the men in a friendly, nonjudgmental way.
“We want to help men improve their health literacy and take responsibility for their health care,” she says.
Cowart led the team that created the program in 1999 through the Prostate Cancer Education Council of Central New York. It is in partnership with Syracuse University, where she also teaches health literacy and culturally competent health care.
Cowart was concerned when she found out African American men have the world’s highest rate of prostate cancer. She recognized a new way was needed to tell African American men about the dangers of the disease.
“When men go to the doctor, they don’t ask questions,” Cowart says. “We teach them to talk about their health and ask the right questions.”
The program focuses on prostate cancer awareness, but it also provides general health information. They talk about family history, diet, exercise and the importance of a healthful lifestyle. They tell men to get tested early.
“Many men are afraid to go to the doctor. They would rather not know if they are sick. Or they think going to the doctor makes them sick,” Cowart says. “We have to change their minds. We tell them they need to go to the doctor before they get sick or have symptoms.”
Cowart says most of the men have been excited about the program. The results have been great.
“I walk down the street, and men stop me to tell me they got their screenings,” she says. “I might not even know their names. But I know that I helped them take control of their health.”
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