NORTHBROOK, Ill., Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma US, Inc., in partnership with USA Rugby and national patient advocacy organization Men's Health Network, will offer free health screenings and education around the historic match between the USA Eagles and the world champion New Zealand All Blacks rugby teams.

Screenings and education events will be offered near the Eagles' practice venue in University Village on Monday, Oct. 27 and at the Soldier Field Fan Zone before the Nov. 1 match. 

"Rugby players are about as tough as they come on the outside, but for all of us it's just as important to stay strong on the inside by proactively managing our health," said Jim Robinson, president, Astellas Pharma US. "We hope that our partnership with USA Rugby, together with the health education programs we jointly support and advocate for, will arm thousands of people with the information they need to live a healthier tomorrow."

Bilingual healthcare professionals will administer screenings for conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and body fat. The free screenings are available to both men and women 18 years of age and older. Men can also get a blood test to screen for prostate cancer.

"We are pleased to be working with Astellas to encourage Chicagoans to answer the challenge of achieving better health," said Ana Fadich, Men's Health Network vice president. "Through these screenings, we can raise awareness and motivate individuals to understand their health risks and treatment options."   

The first screening event will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) on Oct. 27 at Quest Multisport, 2641 W. Harrison St, Chicago. The Eagles will practice there from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and screening attendees are encouraged to watch the practice. Screenings will also be available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Central Time) on Nov. 1 in the Fan Zone at the Southeast corner of the Soldier Field complex. No tickets are needed to visit the Fan Zone and advance registration is not required for either event.

"USA Rugby is proud to partner with Astellas to provide important health education to Chicagoans," said Nigel Melville, USA Rugby chief executive officer. "Just as rugby players take ownership of their individual performance on the field, we're challenging the larger community to take ownership of their personal health. We look forward to working with Astellas on these events to provide our fans with information that may help them maintain active and healthy lives."

To join a conversation about these screenings and the Nov. 1 rugby match, follow the hashtag #answerthechallenge on Twitter.

About Astellas 
Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.us. You can also follow us on Twitter at @AstellasUS.

About Men's Health Network
Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys and their families where they live, work, play and pray with health awareness and disease prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities and patient navigation. MHN is the promoter of Men's Health Month and Men's Health Week in June. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow us on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and Facebook at facebook.com/menshealthnetwork.

About USA Rugby
Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic Committee. Currently headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has more than 95,000 active members, with more than 29,000 playing collegiate rugby and 35,000 playing senior club rugby. USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes. It also hosts more than 30 national playoff and championship events each year as a service to its members. In October 2009, the International Olympic Committee announced Rugby Sevens (the seven-a-side version of the game) will appear in the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Visit www.usarugby.org for more information or follow us on Twitter @USARugby.

USA Rugby is now Work For It rugby.

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SOURCE Astellas Pharma US, Inc.