BATON ROUGE, La. – Baton Rouge General (BRG) is introducing The Healthy Men Project to motivate men aged 30-50 to take a more proactive approach to their health and set personalized health goals. Originally scheduled for July but postponed due to the fourth COVID-19 surge, the campaign will now commence with a kickoff event on November 6th at BRG’s Bluebonnet campus from 8-10 a.m. This free event will combine essential health tasks like screenings and expert consultations with enjoyable activities, including coffee tastings and batting challenges.
“We know that men often delay seeking healthcare and ignore their symptoms, so simply thinking and talking about their health is a significant first step for many,” said Dr. Benjamin Levron, a family medicine physician at BRG. “Joining The Healthy Men Project isn’t just about lowering blood pressure or losing weight. It’s about making healthier choices, like drinking less alcohol, checking in on mental health, or investing in a treadmill.”
Event Highlights and Health Check Opportunities
Men attending the kickoff event will have multiple opportunities to assess their health:
- Cholesterol, Glucose, and Blood Pressure Tests
- Grip Strength and Balance Assessment
- Body Fat Percentage and Waist Circumference Check
- Ask the Experts: Sports Medicine, Primary Care, Urgent Care, Oncology, Colon and Rectal Surgery
- Allergy Screening with The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center
- Create your ideal hydration/IV therapy “cocktail” card
- Find your perfect shoe fit with New Balance of Baton Rouge
- Test your upper body strength with UpTown Climbing
Continuing the Healthy Men Project
Following the kickoff event, men can enroll in The Healthy Men Project through the end of the year, with the project going into full swing in January. Participants will receive regular email check-ins with health tips, local perks, and easy ways to share their progress, no matter how big or small. Benefits include a t-shirt, nutrition consults, free classes, and hydration therapy discounts. By sharing a step towards better health each month, participants will be entered to win the grand prize—a Traeger grill—along with gift cards and other prizes.
Addressing Men’s Health Challenges
Sixty-five percent of men say they avoid going to the doctor as long as possible, often due to stigmas and the “superhero syndrome.” Many men believe they should handle health issues independently, seeing doctor visits as a sign of weakness. This mindset can prevent them from addressing conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke if left uncontrolled.
“Many men under 40 assume they are healthy without considering potential hidden risks,” added Dr. Levron. “Routine checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention.”
Fun Activities and Prizes
Participants can also test their upper body strength with UpTown Climbing and participate in a batting challenge with Williamson Eye Center. CC’s Coffee House will offer coffee tastings. Attendees will have the chance to win door prizes, including a Top Golf gift card, sunglasses from Williamson Eye Center, a Huffy 7-speed comfort bike, and more.
By promoting proactive health measures and providing engaging activities, The Healthy Men Project aims to encourage men to prioritize their health and well-being.