Beer, bots and biceps

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Earlier this week I posted a blog about the upcoming Southern Illinois Men's Expo. The event happened Saturday morning and was a huge success. We offered men around the region FREE health screenings, including blood draws for cholesterol, vision, dental, blood pressure and foot problems. 

Fire is good

Our panelists talked about the importance of nutrition and exercise and answered questions for the men in attendance. Physicians were on hand for one-on-one talks with men on a variety of topics. We learned about the benefits of drinking beer in moderation and how to home brew. Southern Illinois Miners COO and manager Mike Pinto heated things up with this talk "Taking Charge of Your Health." Yes, a handful of participants ate fire!

Crown Brew Coffee Co.

I can't thank our vendors, exhibitors, screeners, volunteers and sponsors enough. Our professional staff (Lisa and Ariella) did an amazing job throughout the process. I know I've probably forgotten someone and that's I'm not specifically naming names (besides Lisa and Ariella). 

Found my abs
They were at JFortune Photography

I am drained but in a good way. This expo/conference has been a labor of love for me since 2008 when the first committee came together and decided it was time to help make men more aware of their own health. Now as president of the Women for Health and Wellness board, we are moving forward. Look the for SI Women's Health Conference in September and big changes in 2018. Join our mission to make health and wellness a priority for EVERYONE in southern Illinois. 

Double trouble

Oh, I guess I should address the suits too. My buddy Tom Harness (Harness Digital Marketing) has a collection of OppoSuits. We decided a while back to get the Star Wars suits and use them to brand ourselves when we do events together. It was a bonus that an R2 was there from the St. Louis R2 Builders Club. 

Take charge of your health

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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One of my labors of love returns later this week. The Southern Illinois Men's Expo evolved from the Southern Illinois Men's Conference which first debuted in 2009. The year before a group of men came together and started working on a conference under the guidance of Women for Health and Wellness, Inc. That group had a Women's Conference and Teen Women's Conference that had been around for years prior to the inception of the men's event.

Dr. Dan makes a Team RWB Pancake

In 2016 we decided to drop the conference angle and give it an expo feel.  The event relocated to Black Diamond Harley Davidson's Entertainment Center. We had Dr. Dan the Pancake Man on the main stage. There was grilling info, beer to sample, pushup challenges, drones, doctors on call and a panel discussion on fitness and nutrition. There was also life-saving blood draws, health screenings and fitness tests all for $15.

This year we're changing things up again. Yes, all the screenings and health aspects are sticking around. But in 2017 the event is absolutely free. Our main event speaker is Southern Illinois Miners COO and manager Mike Pinto. He'll talk about taking charge of your health. Doug Brinkley of the SI Brewers will have a demo on making beer, while Dr. Jeff Ripperda will discuss the health benefits of beer (there really are some).

Haute Wheels Food Truck will be selling lunch that day. Some vendors and exhibitors will have items for sale too, that's the only money you'll spend. Again, admission is free so enjoy the day with us. Come at 7 a.m. for the fasted blood draw and stick around for a day of fun activities and events.

Motivational Monday: Start with the man in the mirror

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Disclaimer: I am not an expert, but the advice dispensed here has been researched or is something that has worked for me in the past.  Proceed at your own risk...

I saw this quote "If you're searching for that one person that will change your life, take a look in the mirror."  and immediately thought of the Michael Jackson song Man in the Mirror.  I've pondered the quote and the words from the song over the last few days and really if anyone is going to save you, it has to be you.

No matter what element of your life you want to change, the most important thing is doing more than just WANTING to change.  And make sure you really do want to change and understand the challenges involved.  Set up smaller daily goals to help reach the ultimate prize.  For example if you want a promotion or a new job, don't wait for someone to call you.  Be your own advocate.  Apply for at least three new jobs a week.  Follow up and continue to update your resume.

Running through the snow...

Over the weekend I was a part of the Southern Illinois Men's Expo.  One of the speakers is a marathon runner.  He said during his discussion if you really want to be a runner you have to train all the time.  If it's raining, prepare to get wet.  If you don't feel well, run anyway.  Too busy?  While you're waiting for your kid to finish soccer practice, run around the field.  

The point is you can make excuse after excuse for not achieving a goal.  Stop doing that and get started now.  When things get tough, trudge through.  Change isn't easy, but your life may be after change is made.  Believe in yourself more than anyone else and make the people who do support you proud.

  

Bacon, Bowties and Biceps

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Those who know me know several years ago I helped get the ball rolling on what's known as the Southern Illinois Men's Health Conference.  Since 2009 we've made tweaks and changes to the event.  For 2016 I'm happy to announce the event is taking on a new name, new look and new location.

The Southern Illinois Men's Expo is set for February 27, 2016.  Black Diamond Harley Davidson in Marion, Illinois is hosting the event.  The theme is "Bacon, Bowties and Biceps." Our catered breakfast will feature a panel discussion including fitness and nutrition experts.  I'm still in talks with several other interactive vendors for the day.  We will keep the health element as well.  Medical screenings and life saving tests will still be a part of the event.  More details about the program will be released in the coming weeks.

The point of this post is to announce a contest to come up with a logo for the 2016 event.  Please submit your work to simensexpo@gmail.com by November 6.  The designs will be posted on our Facebook page and the submission with the most likes will be declared the winner.  Remember the theme is "Bacon, Bowties and Biceps" and our audience is men of all ages.  We're here in beautiful southern Illinois.