June 5, 2014
West Columbia, S.C. – What do cars, technology, green energy and men’s health have in common? They’re all part of “Drive for Men’s Health,” a 24-hour drive along the East coast from Florida to New York City to raise awareness about health issues for men. And Lexington Medical Center is getting in the driver’s seat to take part in this innovative event.
The “Drive for Men’s Health” begins in Florida on Thursday June 12th with two physicians from Central Florida driving the technologically advanced, electric TESLA Model S car. The doctors will drive through 9 different charging stations up Interstate 95 until they reach the TESLA showroom in Manhattan on Friday, June 13th. The journey is 1,100 miles. At the charging stations, more than 40 distinguished physicians from around the world will talk about a variety of men’s health issues. The event coincides with National Men’s Health Week, which runs from June 9th to 15th.
Dr. Brian Willard, Chief of the Department of Urology at Lexington Medical Center and physician at Carolina Urology Partners, has been selected to speak at the drive’s stop in South Carolina, which will take place in Santee. Dr. Willard will speak about prostate cancer and new guidelines for screenings at 4:55 p.m. on Thursday, June 12th at 114 Bradford Boulevard in Santee.
“The ‘Drive for Men’s Health’ is cool,” said Dr. Willard. “I try to be involved in community activities that raise awareness about men’s health and this is a great way to do it.”
Also at the stop in Santee, Lexington Medical Center’s Community Outreach department and Carolina Urology Partners are teaming up to offer free blood pressure screenings and glucose checks from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend.
The “Drive for Men’s Health” began with Florida urologists Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt. Dr. Parekattil purchased a TESLA Model S last year. He and his colleague Dr. Brahmbhatt wanted to drive it up the East coast. When they realized it would have to be charged every 150 to 200 miles, at 30 to 45 minutes per charge, they came up with the idea of linking a men’s health event to the drive. The event would be centered around things men are interested in – cars, technology, green energy and the future. The goal is to create an engaging, interesting and fun atmosphere that persuades men to take better care of themselves. The “Drive for Men’s Health” also raises money for genetic studies on men’s health issues and college scholarships.
There will be live video streaming during the ride using Google Glass technology. And, on social media, men can ask questions and receive answers from experts in various fields.
“We want to start a conversation, change our attitudes and take better care of ourselves,” said Dr. Parekattil. That includes getting better sleep, quitting smoking, being more active, eating healthy and decreasing stress.
For more information, “get social” with the “Drive for Men’s Health:”
Website: www.driveformenshealth.com
Twitter: “Drive for Men’s Health,” @drive4men
Facebook: Drive for Men’s Health
LinkedIn: Drive for Men’s Health
You Tube: www.youtube.com/drive4men
Blog: www.driveformenshealth.com/blog
Lexington Medical Center is a 607-bed teaching hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. It anchors a health care network that includes five community medical centers and employs a staff of more than 8,000 health care professionals. The hospital is ranked best hospital in the Columbia Metro and #2 hospital in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report and was named one of the “Best Places to Work in South Carolina” by SC Biz News, in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. Lexington Medical Cancer Center is an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence and has a clinical research and education affiliation with MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The network includes a cardiovascular program recognized by the American College of Cardiology as South Carolina's first HeartCARE Center. The network also has an occupational health center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, an Alzheimer's care center and more than 70 physician practices. Lexington Medical Center operates one of the busiest Emergency departments in South Carolina, treating nearly 100,000 patients each year. The hospital delivers more than 4,000 babies each year and performs more than 25,000 surgeries. Its postgraduate medical education programs include family medicine and transitional year residencies.
