As part of its ongoing health initiatives, the International
Christian Brotherhood (ICB), a faith-based, Christian
fraternal organization hosted a special day dedicated to
spiritual renewal and healthy living. The event, which took
place at Christian Cultural Center campus, kicked off with a
word in season by guest speaker Dr. Derek H. Suite, founder
of Full Circle Health an award winning, multi-disciplinary
community mental health practice. Dr. Suite spoke candidly
about depression, stress and other issues related to mental
health. The session was followed by a lively Q&A led by ICB
Director Minister Onorio Chaparro. Prior to Dr. Suite’s
forum, Raymond Rice a male breast cancer survivor gave a
moving testimony on how his faith and servant heart
sustained him.

Immediately following the men’s meeting, male guests
throughout the tri-state area took part in ICB’s Health
Fair. Over 40 vendors and exhibitors participated in the
outdoor affair which included free blood pressure, diabetes,
cholesterol, colon, and eye testing. Municipal Credit Union,
one of the event’s key sponsors, provided free financial
counseling. There was also live jujitsu, martial arts,
weight training and fitness demonstrations.

It is a known fact that men are less likely to seek medical
help than women. This can lead to delayed diagnosis which
hinders the treatment of sickness. Current statistics show
that heart disease, cancer and diabetes top the list of
leading causes of death among men. Of the estimated 292,000
African American men who die each year, ½ succumb to heart
disease and cancer. Prevention and early detection remains
the best defense.

Caption 1: ICB brother and breast cancer survivor Raymond Rice
(left) and ICB Director Minister Onorio (right) are joined
by exhibitors from Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center which
distributed important info on breast cancer