Preventative Health Campaign to Host Kickoff Celebration

State representative Jimmy Patronis (R-Panama City) will share the stage with the muppet Elmo at a June 29 kick-off celebration promoting preventative healthcare.

The "Check Out That Body" Community Preventative Health Campaign encourages area residents to get physical examinations during the month of July, offering free prizes as incentives.

Prizes, which are organized by age group, include a swing set, Nintendo Wii, iPod, fishing trip for four, spa package and gas grill.

In June, Elmo, the campaign's mascot, travelled to area elementary schools to teach children the importance of annual check-ups.

He asked the kids to encourage their parents to also take a proactive approach to their health.

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.

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

"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.

The June 29 kickoff celebration, held at Lake Alice Pavilion from 5-7:30 p.m. CT, will offer fun for the entire family.

The event will feature remarks by Patronis and Wewahitchka mayor Ray Dickens, music by Golden Rose and Swiftwater, free Pepsi from Buffalo Rock and a free hotdog dinner from FairPoint Communications. Elmo will also be available for hugs and high fives.

The first 100 people to arrive will receive free gifts.

Campaign organizers hope to meet their goal by convincing 425 people to receive their check-ups during the month of July.

For more information about the campaign or the kickoff celebration, contact Wewahitchka Medical Center at 850-639-5828

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 and hotdogs.