Fitness Guru Ben Booker is the featured speaker at Sarah Bush Lincoln’s men’s only free event, “Take Down Heart Disease,” set for 5 to 7 pm, Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Brick House Bar and Grill in Charleston.
Take Down Heart Disease will give attendees the opportunity to learn about the importance of physical fitness and staying active to help prevent heart disease. Also speaking will be Prairie Heart Cardiologist Michael LaMonto, DO, who will talk about risk factors of heart health. A variety of Sarah Bush Lincoln health professionals will be on hand to answer questions about fitness, tobacco cessation, Heart to Heart screening program, weight management, sleep disorders and diabetes.
Booker transformed his body from ordinary to chiseled and graced the covers for multiple fitness magazines becoming a fitness model and spokesperson. He lives a “second chance” lifestyle and talks about how bodybuilding saved his physique, his marriage and his life.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, which means that one in four people will have heart disease. The best way to cure heart disease is to prevent it by addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and changing behaviors including tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical inactivity/obesity.
Dr. LaMonto stressed that “small changes can make a big impact on a person’s heart health. Our hope is that men will see this as an opportunity learn about their heart health in a fun atmosphere and perhaps make a single change that can have a long-lasting impact.”
Event Coordinator Chris Kessler said, “We know that many times women are the drivers in healthcare and there are many programs offered throughout the year geared toward women and women’s health. We wanted to offer a program for men only, with male presenters in an environment that would be conducive to asking questions and learning about their own health.”
Attendees will receive two drink tickets and appetizers will be served. While the event is free and open to men 21 and older, attendees must reserve a seat by Feb. 16 by calling 217 258-2420 or emailing jtruesdale@sblhs.org.
For more information about Take Down Heart Disease, call 217 821-0426, or email ckessler@sblhs.org.
