In support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s efforts to promote early cancer detection and awareness, as well as men’s health during the month of November, VPs Ken Dallafior and Andy Hetzel have taken to the radio waves to discuss our partnerships and campaigns. Dallafior, Executive VP of Group Business and Corporate Marketing spoke with 97.1 The Ticket’s Jim Brandstatter during the U of M Tailgate show. Dallafior stressed the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer, especially prostate cancer, the second most common cause of cancer death in men. To raise awareness, the Blues and the University of Michigan have partnered to create The Michigan Football Experience Sweepstakes. Winners of the sweepstakes get to experience Michigan football from the inside, participating in team activities, drills and scrimmages. One grand-prize winner will receive an all expense paid trip for two to U of M’s next bowl game. The winners will be announced November 30 during Michigan’s game against Ohio State. Dallafior also joined Jim Brandstatter during the Detroit Lions pregame show to talk about Movember, the movement that asks men to “change the face of men’s health” by growing a mustache to show their support, and to take time each week to improve their health. He explained that men can take charge of their health by eating right, exercising, not smoking and most importantly getting tested for things like high blood pressure, heart disease and prostate cancer. These diseases are often very treatable and curable when detected early. Andy Hetzel, VP of Corporate Communications, discussed Movember and the Blues’ #KickCancer campaign on the U of M Tailgate Show with Doug Karsch. Hetzel stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise as measures to reduce men’s risk of getting cancer, citing research that shows more than half of all cancer deaths are preventable by adopting healthy habits and proper screening and testing. Hetzel encouraged men, who are often reluctant to see their doctor, to make that appointment and not be shy about asking questions. It is important to ask what tests are necessary and what the results mean in order to develop a plan with your doctor to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org/cancerawareness, or on Twitter search the hashtag #KickCancer.
