State public health department again hosts the Health Pavilion during Real Men Cook event

 IDPH offers health screenings and information to raise awareness and eliminate health disparities  

CHICAGO, Ill. – Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director, today announced the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will again sponsor the Health and Wellness Pavilion during the Real Men Cook Father's Day Celebration on Sunday, June 15 at South Shore Cultural Center. The Department has hosted the IDPH Health and Wellness Pavilion at the Real Men Cook event since 2005, which has proven a successful way to reach men and their families with messages and encouragement of healthy eating and adopting healthy lifestyles.

“The overall health of African-American men is a major public health concern as underscored by the alarming reality that black men's cancer rates and death rates are higher than any other group,” said Dr. Arnold. “By making minor lifestyle adjustments like healthier eating and exercise, African-American men can help curb the disproportionate numbers of cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.”

The message of getting tested and knowing your HIV status will also be encouraged at the event through Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s BASUAH (Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV/AIDS) campaign.

IDPH is partnering with health providers to offer free health screenings to visitors of this year’s Real Men Cook Father’s Day event. Some of this year’s offerings will include: