Elmo to Community: 'Check out that body!'

Elmo arrived at Wewahitchka Elementary School last Wednesday, looking fit as a fiddle.

His red fur shone, his eyes sparkled and he walked with a spring in his step.

Being Sesame Street's biggest sensation since Big Bird accounted for some of Elmo's swagger.

Regular health check-ups provided an additional boost.

As the spokesperson for Wewahitchka Medical Center's "Check Out That Body" campaign, Elmo brought his message of healthy living to Wewahitchka's star-struck tots.

The campaign encourages area residents to get physical examinations during the month of July, offering free prizes as incentives.

"We're trying to get people to go to the doctor - not when they're sick, but when they're well, to get a check-up," said Wewahitchka Medical Center manager Tina Pate.

Accompanying Elmo on his visit, Pate encouraged the students to get their check-ups and presented each classroom with the complementary picture book, "It's Check-up Time, Elmo!"

Pate asked the students to pass the word on to their parents and grandparents, who could win prizes such as jewelry, fishing equipment and a weekend at the beach.

For a chance to win a prize, children and adults need only receive a check-up at any healthcare facility, local or otherwise, during the month of July.

Upon receiving their check-ups, participants must complete an entry form, available at the following locations: A&A Homecare, Compass Therapy, Gulf County Health Department, Wewahitchka Medical Center and Buy-Rite Pharmacy.

Essentially a limited medical release form, the entry enables doctor's offices to verify that participants did, indeed, receive their check-ups.

Though first conceived by Wewahitchka Medical Center, the campaign is a community-wide effort to instill in residents the importance of preventative healthcare.

Pate has observed that most residents only go to the doctor when they are sick.

Women avoid their yearly pap smears and mammograms, men put off their prostate exams and parents don't take their children in for their annual Well Child check-ups.

Pate noted that while 87 percent of pet owners take their animals to the vet annually for check-ups and vaccinations, only five percent of the population receives annual health check-ups.

"We take better care of our cars and pets than we do ourselves and our children," said Pate.

In launching the campaign in July, Pate hopes parents of school-age children will take their kids in for immunizations before the 2009-2010 school year begins.

For those hosting children's summer programs, Pate extends a special offer - a personal visit from Elmo, who will encourage kids to get their check-ups.

Pate hopes to entice 425 people to participate in the "Check Out That Body" campaign. Her mission is to increase the quality of life for all area residents.

"Our goal is to make Gulf County healthier," she said.

Kick Off Celebration

A "Check Out That Body" Kick-Off Celebration will be held on June 29 from 5-7:30 p.m. (CT) at Lake Alice Pavilion in Wewahitchka. The event will feature remarks by Jimmy Patronis, music by Golden Rose and Swiftwater, free Pepsi from Buffalo Rock and a free hotdog dinner from Fairpoint Communications. Melissa Miller from Kat Country Radio will be our master of Ceremonies. Elmo will make a special visit as well.

Participants in the "Check Out That Body" campaign are eligible to win a host of fabulous prizes, organized by age group.

Children

Swing set

Girl's bike

Boy's bike

Cars pillow

$50 savings account

Leap Frog Leapster

Barbie Set

Games

Stuffed Animals

Teens

Nintendo Wii

iPod

Shipwreck Island passes

Rock It Lanes passes

Subway gift cards

Hungry Howie gift cards

CD player

Men's watch

Women's watch

Camera

Skateboard/sports equipment

Adults

Weekend at the beach

Fishing trip for 4

Jewelry

Fishing equipment

Gas grill

Cordless drill

2-way radio

Screwdriver set

Round of golf with cart

Spa package