Dear Reader:

Thank you to all the men, young and old who made Brother to Brother, A Conversation About Your Health a rousing success.

Sponsored by brainbrawnbody.com, the website dedicated to the health and wellness of African American men, Brother to Brother drew men, young and old to hear from experts on the topics of colorectal and prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases – illnesses that disproportionately affect African American men.

Brother to Brother was an opportunity to hear from men like Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Dr. Marc Kennedy, a gastroenterologist specializing in the treatment of colorectal cancer. He advised on the need for early and regularly scheduled checkups for colorectal cancer and he gave some much needed advice on the benefits of proper dieting.

Darryl Davidson, Director of Men’s Health Programs for the city of Milwaukee (http://city.milwaukee.gov/Mens-Health-Center) broke down the statistics and provided a clear picture of the conditions that are driving the dismal health picture for African American men. His detailed presentation left those in attendance are far wiser than they were when they walked in. They now know what has gotten us here and what it will take to move to a healthier place.

Healthcare consultant George Hinton, who heads the Hinton Group, LLC (www.hintongroupconsulting.com) delivered an eye opening and insightful presentation that only a veteran of the healthcare industry could give. Speaking with the authority and knowledge of an industry executive, George enlightened the group on the issue of health disparities and advised those in attendance on better ways to navigate the sometimes complex healthcare maze.   

Rendall Thomas kept the audience rapt with his heartfelt story of victory over prostate cancer. He was diagnosed with the deadly disease 19 years ago, but today he stands strong and lives to tell his story so that others might avoid the illness that slowed him.

Be sure to visit www.brainbrawnbody.com in May to meet Rendall. He tells his story with passion and wit through video on our Personal Profiles page (http://brainbrawnbody.com/personal-profiles.html).

Good advice flowed through the room, coming not only from the experts, but from the brothers in the audience who shared their own health experiences and asked great questions. I know I learned a lot and I am appreciative of the brothers who made Saturday a great day!

We’ll definitely do Brother to Brother again - soon. We must. For those gathered at this year’s Sankofa, their paths to better health began on Saturday. We have to keep that pathway open. Brain Brawn & Body’s, Brother to Brother, A Conversation About Your Health is committed to it.

Read, learn, enjoy!

Eric Von

Publisher/Editor