LAKELAND, Fla. (June 11, 2015) – The second annual Drive For Men’s Health rolled out of South Lake Hospital in Clermont, Fla. today to begin a 6,000 mile, coast-to-coast journey in an all-electric Tesla Model S. Co-founded by Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board member Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, the Drive For Men’s Health is a charitable road trip designed to increase awareness of men’s health issues and to encourage men to make their health a priority.
Seventy-five percent of proceeds raised during this year’s event will support scholarships for future innovators at Florida Polytechnic University; the remaining funds will support genetic research in men’s health conditions. Last year, Drive For Men’s Health traveled more than 1,100 miles and raised more than $12,000 for both causes.
Dr. Parekattil and Dr. Brahmbhatt said choosing Florida Poly as one of the two beneficiaries was a natural fit because of the University’s focus on advanced technology. As co-directors of the PUR (Personalized Urology & Robotics) Clinic at South Lake Hospital, in affiliation with Orlando Health, the physicians often use high-tech robotic microsurgical techniques in their practice.
“We’re thrilled to once again support Florida Poly’s students through the Drive For Men’s Health,” said Dr. Parekattil. “The University’s unique focus on industry and medical partnerships means students will graduate ready to help us solve the most pressing problems in men’s health. We view our support of Florida Poly as an investment in the engineers and researchers of the future.”
This year’s Drive For Men’s Health runs from Florida to New York to California, and will include with more than 60 stops and feature hundreds of speakers, both at events along the way and online during the trip.
Dr. Parekattil and Dr. Brahmbhatt will navigate a purple and white Tesla Model S, complete with Florida Poly logo, through many of the top cities in the country, including Jacksonville, Atlanta, Winston-Salem, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis and Phoenix. During these stops the physicians will take part in educational lectures and activities to raise awareness for men’s health. The nine-day trip will conclude on June 20 in Los Angeles.
“Florida Poly is incredibly grateful to Dr. Parekattil and Dr. Brahmbhatt for their support of our students and their passion for finding solutions to challenging medical issues facing millions of men nationwide,” said Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “We wish them a safe and impactful journey during the next several days.”
Florida Poly student Benjamin Grewal is going on the cross-country trip. The rising sophomore, studying mechanical engineering, will be joining a crew of more than a dozen supporters following the physicians.
“I’ve joined the Drive with the hope of changing the fact that too many men take their health for granted. The ignorance is bliss mentality seems to be overabundant when it comes to health, especially in the two major communities that I am a part of: military veterans and university students,” said Grewal. “The experience will be a unique opportunity for educating and being educated about health. It’s something you really can’t know too much about.”
Drive For Men’s Health is done in collaboration with the National Men’s Health Week (June 15-20) and comes on the heels of a revealing national survey about men and their health. The survey, commissioned by Orlando Health, found that more than 80 percent of men could remember the make and model of their first car, but only about half could remember the last time they went to the doctor for a check-up.
“Men need to take better care of themselves, period,” said Dr. Parekattil. “It’s a message we want to get to as many as possible, and we’re willing to drive cross country to do it.”
The journey will include a social media campaign, live streaming and numerous opportunities for online followers to ask questions and join the conversation. To follow the doctors on their journey, support their efforts or learn more about men’s health issues, visit www.driveformenshealth.com.
B-ROLL, SOUND BITES, WEB ELEMENTS & HI-RES STILL PHOTOS – Including HD video available
for free/unrestricted use by the news media: bit.ly/Drive4MensHealth
Courtesy: Drive for Men’s Health