African American men to adopt healthier lifestyles. The “Man Up! For Healthy Families,” event allowed 295 people to get screened by
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professionals from all of the area’s major health organizations. The health screenings are crucial in detecting possible chronic and/or sometimes fatal conditions like high blood pres- sure, prostate cancer, diabetes, stroke, etc.
“It’s good to know that through our efforts, we are helping
to make people healthier, and we hope, able to live longer lives,” said Anton Chastang, the president of 100 Black Men. “Our goal has always been to impact the mortality rate for African American men.”
Statistics show that 40 percent of African American men
won’t live to age 65. The health fair and walk was started with a goal of getting more men and their families to secure a primary care physician, get tested and get treated. Of the 295 people who were screened at the health fair, 182 were men, 84 were women and 29 were children.
Hundreds took advantage of free health screenings at Man Up! event on Belle Isle The event also included a walk around Belle Isle, sports physicals for young people
early 300 people turned out in the pouring rain to get free health screenings on Belle Isle, and 48 of them were referred for follow-up exams. The Man Up! For Healthy Families event in early September, hosted by 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, is an initiative aimed at motivating
and tips on healthy eating and living. It was a sequel to last year’s walk and health fair, which drew nearly 600 people, 300 of whom received health screens from partner health organizations.
“I came out today to participate in the health walk because I am trying to get back
into a healthier lifestyle,” said walk participant Dwayne Richardson. “I have a young son and I am trying to set a good example for him and hopefully springboard a better health consciousness in my house.”
Eighteen percent of the state’s African American population lacks health insurance.
-2010 Michigan Department of Community Health report
Health education and screenings are especially important, in underserved minority communities. According to a 2010 Michigan Department of Community Health report, 18 percent of the state’s Afri- can American population lacks health insurance. Last year, 35 people who participated in the health screenings at the Man Up! event had results outside the normal range. They were advised to follow up with a physician or health care provider.
Other event sponsors were St. John, Oakwood, Detroit
Medical Center and Henry Ford Health systems, CVS/Care- mark, Health Centers Detroit Medical Group, Marlene L. Garland Hill Agency, Health Alliance Plan, Vattikuti Urology
“We know that through early detection of health risks and conditions, there’s a better
chance of getting the right treatment,” said Bill Toples, director of service operations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and chair of 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit Health and Wellness. “Blue Cross is committed to reducing health disparities in traditionally under- served communities across the state, and we know that this event has been successful in impacting that disparity.”
Institute, Detroit Wayne County Health Authority, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Pepsi Beverages Company and Prince Hall Mason Child ID Program-MI CHIP.
For more information on 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit or to get involved, go to the organization’s web site at
www.100blackmendetroit.org or call 313.874.4811.
LivingWELL • October 2011 13 LivingWELL • August 2011 13
Walk
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