FOR IFBB PRO ATHLETES
For Immediate Release
December 3, 2011
IFBB PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS
IFBB Pro League announced today an agreement with McLean Hospital, part of Harvard Medical School, to provide medical benefits for its members.
McLean Hospital will conduct complete comprehensive yearly physicals for all
IFBB Pro League athletes. This is an unprecedented step in the healthcare of professional bodybuilding athletes.
Bob Cicherillo, (IFBB Athlete's Representative) states, “The main part of any show or competition is the athletes. Without them, there is no event. We must concern ourselves with the health of the athletes to not only insure the longevity of the athlete, but also of the sport.
What precipitated this action by the IFBB is the number of untimely deaths and severe medical problems that has beset the sport the past 24 months.
Cicherillo goes on to say, “Three top male athletes have needed kidney transplants over a two year time span. Something has to be done. Heart attacks and bypass surgery become all too common. Athletes under the age of 40 are suffering strokes. Something has to be done and we will be doing it.”
“We are taking a bold step in order to detect problems early, with the desired result being to save lives. We all know that early detection with any medical problem gives the best possible chance to defeat the problem. We are looking to give our athletes that fighting chance.”
“We also know that this is a benefit for all athletes, whether they live in the U.S. or not. We want to do something in the medical area for all athletes that participate in our shows.”
Any questions or comments should be directed to IFBB Pro League via email at ifbbproleague@aol.com
