Real Men Cook Father's Day Celebrations to Feature Health and Wellness Pavilion.

CHICAGO -- As a show of its concern for the health and lifestyle of the thousands expected to attend Real Men Cook, a food-sampling and family celebration in 11 cities, Real Men Charities, Inc. the presenting nonprofit, will host a Health and Wellness Pavilion in each market on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15. The cities hosting this annual food-tasting celebration that doubles as a tribute to fathers and father figures are Atlanta, Chicago, Benton Harbor (MI), Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, DC. Incorporating the family-friendly Pavilion into the bigger event is a response to the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer and other afflictions that can be combated through a healthy lifestyle and nutritious eating.

In making the announcement, Yvette Moyo, co-founder of Real Men Cook and a health, nutrition and fitness enthusiast, noted that African American men's health is a major concern as underscored by the alarming reality that black men's cancer rates and death rates are disproportionately higher than any other group. She said that cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other health crises that impact blacks more than other races, in some cases can be addressed through healthy eating, exercise and minor lifestyle adjustments. She added that early screenings can detect cancers before they become life threatening. Prostate cancer awareness is a year-round initiative of Real Men Charities, Inc. In addition, through Real Men Charities, Inc. work in the area of HIV AIDS education and screening more and more Blacks are becoming aware that early detection of HIV AIDS, proper medication and good nutrition will extend life expectancy and quality for those testing positively. These are the types of screenings that will be available at Real Men Cook in each city.

In addition, the Health and Wellness Pavilion will provide healthy foods, martial arts demonstrations, family fitness tips, information on diabetes awareness, prevention and healthy management...and MORE!

The national sponsors whose participation is making Real Men Cook and the Health & Wellness Pavilion possible are The Nielsen Company, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Urban Living and Cuisine Noir Magazine. In addition, the National PTA and Real Men Cook have established a collaborative relationship to promote greater father and significant male involvement in schools and community. For the Chicago event, now in the 19th year, the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services and BASUAH are sponsors of the Health & Wellness Pavilion.

Real Men Cook features approximately 1,000 volunteer chefs preparing their favorite dishes. The event also provides a platform where "real men" from all walks of life are honored for demonstrating extraordinary commitment to their families and communities. The centerpiece of the celebration is the more than 1000 volunteer chefs all dads or self-proclaimed committed father figures. They will don an apron and chef's hat and cook as many as 300 different dishes for what is hailed as the "ultimate food fest with a purpose."

This year's event, which is its 19th annual celebration, is expected to attract more than 30,000 people. For more information on the Health and Wellness Pavilion or on Real Men Cook contact Justin Wooley at 773-651-8008 ext 5 or for tickets visit www.realmencook.com.