Tift Regional conducting ‘Kick-off to Men’s Health’ on July 30

TIFTON — Tift Regional Health System is preparing for its annual Kick-off to Men’s Health to connect Tifton area citizens with the football community and to provide the health screenings the men in their lives may be lacking.

The event is set for 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. July 30 at the Tift Regional Community Events Center.

“This event brings the excitement of the upcoming high school football season together with free medical screenings and health information for men,” said TRHS Community Events Coordinator Kristy Walters.

Event coordinators say football coaches from Cook High, Fitzgerald High, Irwin County High, Tift County High, Tiftarea Academy, Turner County High and Worth County High schools will preview their upcoming seasons and answer questions from fans. The coaches’ forum is set to be hosted by Chris Beckham, host of the Triangle Furniture Football Friday Night radio program that airs throughout the season.

“This is a great opportunity for fans from all of the teams involved to get together, talk some football and get these great screenings done at no charge,” Beckham said. “We all know that high school football is special in South Georgia, and we think of this as the unofficial start to the season. It’s going to be another exciting year, and the coaches do a fantastic job of sharing their expectations for the season.

“If you are a football fan, there’s no better place to be on this day than at this event.”

Coordinators say the free medical screenings and health information will be available through 10 a.m. The screenings will include blood pressure screenings and lipid panels to check blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides — and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dr. Chris Smith with Affinity Clinic will give a presentation at 9 a.m. to discuss acid reflux and the LINX procedure he has also performed for patients at Albany Surgical. The coaches’ forum will begin at 10 a.m., with door prizes to follow.

Complimentary refreshments will also be available. In addition to the screenings and presentations, a $250 “fan friendzy” grand prize will be given to the school’s football booster club with the most fans in attendance. Door prizes include a 50-inch Sanyo LED HD TV, a portable grill with accessories, a Yeti cup and gift cards.

Officials from the new Veterans Affairs clinic in Tifton will also be available during the event with information on the facility, including its programs and services.

The Tift Regional Community Events Center is located at 1657 South Carpenter Road in the Tiftarea YMCA building. The event is free and requires no registration.

For more information, call TRHS Outreach and Development Department at (229) 353-6318 or visit tiftregional.com.