100 Black Men of Greater Detroit and the Michigan Department of Community Health, led by 100 member Bill Toples, organized the event as a way to get African American men health screenings before they suffer from a serious illness.  "Preventitive maintenance is a way to enjoy a healthier lifestyle" Toples said.  Never to young or old to learn how to take care of your body.  After the screenings, all ate breakfast and then were given separate lectures about living healthy. The youth got a tour of the stadium and actual mini work out on the field.  An estimated 200-300 people attended and nearlly all received some form of health screening.  The Health and Wellness committee of 100 Black Men hope to continue this effort on an annual basis.

Dr. Ray Littleton (HFHS) and Dr. Herb Smitherman (WSU School of Medicine) provided overview of health data and steps individuals should take to imporove their health.

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At the event? Additional photos clickhere!!

Detroit -- Johnnie Carpenter loves playing basketball. But the 9-year-old hoops-star-in-training knows he needs to eat right and exercise to be good at his favorite sport. "If I get sick, I can't play," Johnnie said.

Johnnie was among more than 240 people who participated in Saturday's health fair at Ford Field that targeted African American men for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol testing in addition to eye exams. While the free event targeted men, plenty of youngsters and women also received screenings from medical professionals who work at the Detroit Medical Center.

One Hundred Black Men of Greater Detroit and the Michigan Department of Community Health organized the event as a way to get black men health screenings before they suffer from a serious illness , said Patrick Jackson, a program manager with community health.

"We want to get them out of the emergency rooms and with primary care physicians," he said.

Ken Bartell, a 52-year-old Detroiter, said he came to the stadium because he is trying to become the type of person who gets regular check-ups. He said being in the manly atmosphere of a football stadium helped.

"I have to be really sick to go see a doctor," he said. "I am aware that as I get older I have to change that thinking."

Jerome Neal, a 53-year-old Detroiter, came as a way to get his brother-in-law to start thinking more about his health. Neal had not yet had a physical for this year, something doctors recommend people do annually.

"I exercise and try to take care of myself, but you never know what is going on inside your body," he said. "You still need to get checked out. This gets me halfway there."

After the screenings, the youth and adults ate breakfast and then were given separate lectures about living healthy. The youngsters then got a tour of the stadium.

"I need to make sure early on that they know now the right things to do to be healthy," Dr. Lynn Smitherman said.

Smitherman is a pediatrician who led the presentation for the youth and is 9-year-old Johnnie's doctor.

"There are things they can do ahead of time to avoid health problems," she said.

Among the things people can do to avoid illness or injuries include eating fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and not smoking, Smitherman said.

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