“Man Up” for Health Initiative Raises Awareness

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie Healthy Black and Latino Coalition sponsored a barber shop initiative Saturday to help promote a healthy lifestyle for men.

Patrons at six local barber shops were greeted by coalition members who handed out “Man Up” bags filled up goodies and literature, as they discussed a variety of men’s health topics.

Newport Barbershop owner Eric McRae said he didn’t hesitate when asked to participate. “We try to help the whole community, and I think they [customers] could benefit from what this group is trying to do,” McRae said.

McRae’s father started the barber shop 54 years ago. Today the shop is considered to be an important part of the fabric of the local community. “We have seen a lot of people come thru here with high blood pressure, diabetes and things, and die from them,” McRae said. That is what the coalition wants to prevent.

Coalition member Ozie Wiliams further emphasized that point by talking to the men in the barbershop about diet, nutrition, exercise and healthy life choices.

“We want you men to be around for a long time. So you have to start taking better care of yourself today,” she said. She encouraged them to drink more water, to eat baked foods versus fried foods and to try to exercise at least 30 minutes every day.

Williams told the men that they needed to be mindful of their health, and their family history, so they can be aware of what to look out for in their future. “Your first wealth is your health,” Williams said.
In the back of the barber shop, Dr. Gupta was available to check the men’s blood pressure and discuss any other health concerns. That is what Diane Ruffin wanted to happen when she began organizing this event several months ago.

“I wanted us to go to them,” she said. “I wanted a place where men gather and therefore be a good place for us to reach out to them regarding important health issues.”

Those issues would continue to be discussed as the coalition made its way to Expressions Barber Shop on Main Street. Manager Jesse Lyons said that more open conversations need to be had about men’s health. “Men of all ages should be concerned about their health and getting check-ups regularly,” Lyons said.

While Lyons admits that health issues do come up in conversations, they aren’t normally the main topic. He hoped that coalition members would be able to reach some of the men, answer any of their health questions, and encourage them to see a primary care doctor on a regular basis.

The coalition continued to Adams Barbershop, Los Pacos Barbershop, Studio Kuts and Nutribe Barbershop before attending the John Flowers Father’s Day celebration at Waryas Park at the Poughkeepsie waterfront where they continued their outreach efforts.