NFL Legend Bruce Smith Inspires Audience at American Cancer Society’s African American Men’s Health Forum to Take Control of Their Health

Virginia Beach, VA, April 19, 2008—NFL Legend and Norfolk, VA native, Bruce Smith, inspired the audience of seven hundred and twenty three men at the American Cancer Society’s third annual African American Men’s Health Forum (AAMHF) on April 19^th at the Marriott Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, VA.

The goal of the AAMHF conference was the following:

1.      Have health experts share important health, cancer, and prevention information to men in the African American community.

2.      Provide health screenings and results to conference participants so that they can make the right health choices.

3.      Provide an opportunity for participants to network with others in their communities and share health information.

  The conference participants also enjoyed a complimentary buffet breakfast and banquet lunch, health related prizes and giveaways, and the tools to start living a healthy life.

    The day started off at 8 a.m. with various free health screening for the men.  The screenings were for hypertension, HIV, oral cancer, diabetes, and included a coupon for a free prostate screening in the future.  Then various doctors specializing in African American Health discussed the alarmingly high rate of prostate cancer, colon cancer, and hypertension among African American men and how to take the steps to decrease the occurrence of these illnesses and lead a healthy lifestyle.  Cancer survivor, RADM Arthur Johnson, spoke about his life after cancer.  After the RADM Arthur Johnson spoke, NFL Legend Bruce Smith shared motivational stories about the his father and the health of NFL players after they retire.  Closing the forum at 2 p.m., Co-Chairperson and motivational speaker Ed Sykes inspired the audience with funny health stories and inspired the audience members to take control of their health and take immediate action to improve their health and fitness and improve their lives.  “I was emotionally moved when I saw these men start lining up at 7:30 a.m. for the 8 a.m. health screenings,” said Ed Sykes.  “These are men from all social-economic backgrounds wanting to improve the quality of life for themselves, for their families, for their communities.”

    The American Cancer Society is the leading association dedicated to the elimination of cancer and follow-up support.  For additional information on the American Cancer Society, they can be reached at www.cancer.org or call 800-227-2345.

    The Sykes Group is a leading provider of leadership, customer relations, presentation, motivation, and productivity solutions for corporations, government agencies, and universities.  The Sykes Group is located at 2133-126 Upton Drive #234, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.  For additional information, go to http://www.thesykesgrp.com or call 757-427-7027 or send e-mail to info@thesykesgrp.com.

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