The body is very similar to a car. It needs proper maintenance and an occasional tune up. The problem is most men take better care of their vehicles than they do their bodies, according to Michelle Hoyt, 56th Medical Group health manager and registered nurse.
“They only go to the doctor when something is broken,” she said.
Because of this, the MDG decided to do something and enlisted the help of Fighter Country Partnership to raise men’s health awareness. Luke will host Tune-Up for Health, a men’s wellness expo with a twist. The “twist” hopefully drawing a big crowd, is a classic car show 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at Club Five Six.
The event will host roughly 77 show cars and have more than 50 car-themed “Pit Stops” to include stations such as “Check Engine Light,” a cholesterol and glucose check, and “Test Your Blinkers,” a vision check.
The event is open to all Tricare beneficiaries and encourages families, as well as men, to join in the fun and entertainment that will include food, music, Phoenix Suns dancers and more, Hoyt said. The local band “Screamin Javelinas,” formed by previous Phoenix City Councilman Claude Mattox, will play a set from noon to 2 p.m. Spouses are especially encouraged to come because, as Hoyt said, “It’s often the women who get the men to show up for appointments.”
Twelve of the booths will be dedicated to domestic violence awareness. These booths will have a purple theme and host classic vehicles painted in purple.
“Purple, the color of the (Domestic Violence) ribbon, really speaks to the color of the bruises on cover ups,” said Sharon Kozak, 56th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Outreach manager. “The Purple Rain part of the car show is specifically addressing the song Purple Rain, and the power and control, sorrow and pain one partner endures from the other in the relationship.”
Though there will be plenty of fun and games, preventive health screens are no laughing matter, Hoyt said. That’s why the MDG will have many opportunities for men and families to get screenings, labs, etc., and the event will also have free flu shots for those who attend. Furthermore, attendees will have an opportunity to win free door prizes to include a free getaway package, TVs, gift cards and more that will be awarded approximately every 15 minutes. Those who preregister at www.fightercountry.org will receive a free T-shirt and possibly increase their chances at a door prize.
And, for those few men who are disinterested in cars, there will be a golf tournament at Falcon Dunes Golf Course at 7 a.m. Those who participate in that event will still have the opportunity to learn about men’s health. For more information or to register, call John Fountain at (623) 856-8988.
