BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Frank Migliore of Independence Township spent the last two years shedding 135 pounds, just in time for his 45-year high school reunion.
“I’m excited. I haven’t seen these folks in a while,” said Migliore, 63. “I’m looking forward to seeing some old faces.”
The reunion at St. Alphonsus High School in Dearborn will be the same day as the “Fight Like a Man” Men’s Health Event at Ford Field, Saturday, Sept. 21.
The event, presented by the MIU Men’s Health Foundation, kicked off his drive for a better life two years ago.
“It was free and a lot of folks I associate with were going to go so I went down there,” said Migliore, an investment banker who moved to Clarkston six years ago to be closer to his church, Mt. Zion. “I found my numbers were not necessarily in order – 365 pounds was not a fun weight to be at.”
The free annual event offers men an assessment of their current health, and screenings valued at $2,000. In addition to standard vital measurements, blood screenings will test for full lipid profile, glucose, liver function, magnesium, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, and uric acid.
Other screenings available at the event include blood pressure, BMI and body fat percentage, depression, dental and oral cancer, EKG, hearing, HIV, joint and mobility, mental health, skin cancer, vision and glaucoma, and waist-to-height ratio.
The event was a wake-up call for Migliore.
“I looked around at that time and saw I wasn’t the only guy out of sorts, which overcame the fear factor. You find out you’re not alone,” he said. “I was 61 at the time, and I was like, wait a second, I’m not in my 20s or 30s anymore. Going up a flight of steps was not the easiest thing. At that moment, I decided to do something.”
He started his return to health with walking. He went back to the event last year and found he lost 65 pounds, but a PSA test was off the charts. Henry Ford hospital called and treated him for an enlarged prostate.
“That’s the nice thing about the event, they check up on you,” he said. “Even now, if something is amiss, they check up on you. It’s a real blessing.”
His health regimen now includes boot camp workouts six mornings a week at VIP Fitness in Clarkston, as well as healthy eating, running, and golf.
“Now my numbers are great,” he said. “No more meds! That’s a good blessing.”
Motivation comes from the continued support he receives from loved ones, colleagues, health providers, and the annual men’s health event.
“It’s exciting,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. This event is lifechanging in many regards. It takes a little bit of work but it’s well worth it.”
Free health screenings are offered to men 18 and older with or without insurance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Ford Field in Detroit.
“This year, we are asking men to ‘give it a shot,’ and learn more about the vaccinations available to them,” said Dr. Michael Lutz, president of the MIU Men’s Health Foundation and urologist with Michigan Institute of Urology. “Vaccines are not just for kids, and it’s important men vaccinate against Hep A and the flu. We will have both vaccines available at the 2019 Men’s Health Event.”
Men who participate in the blood screening tests will receive a copy and explanation of their results by mail. Guests who have screening, vaccination or other health questions can “Ask a Health Care Expert” one-on-one, and those with medication-related questions can “Ask a Pharmacist.” Detailed descriptions of all blood tests and screenings are available at Miumenshealthfoundation.org/screening-details.
Attendees can also participate in physical activities including the Orangetheory Fitness Challenge offering a variety of exercises on the field. Holy Yoga will host a beginner-friendly, all-levels yoga class on Ford Field and the Black Men Run group will lead a one-mile run/walk.
Raffle prizes, giveaways and a complimentary lunch will be available, in addition to guest speakers, health and sports displays and free men’s haircuts. The halftime event will feature ticket giveaways to future Detroit Tigers games.
To register in advance, visit TheMensHealthEvent.org or email info@miumenshealthfoundation.org.