Desmond Romeo of Dr. Cuts: "I have learned to live a healthier, conscious life..."

“Working with AAIUH has been really rewarding in my personal life. I have learned to live a healthier, conscious life because of the information that the institute has gathered, and the way they spread the information to the community” says Desmond Romeo, Manager and Owner of Dr. Cuts Barbershop. Dr. Cuts has partnered with the Arthur Ashe Institute for 10 years and counting.

Romeo credits the Arthur Ashe Institute for contributing to Dr. Cuts being an “information incubator”, where people in the community can go and get inspired. To Romeo, partnering has been an extremely rewarding situation. “The awareness brought to my shop by Arthur Ashe colleagues has had an influential impact on my employees, myself, and clients. All of these different dynamics come together to help retain the existence of the human race, even in urban areas. We need these elements to come together for better lifestyles. We appreciate the Arthur Ashe Institute and what they have been doing and look forward to continuing this partnership.”

Romeo can easily recall his most memorable experience with AAIUH - “It was when the hypertension program was held in the shop. I got my blood tested and found out that my levels were elevated. This program was a hands-on experience that has opened my eyes to living a healthier lifestyle by exercising and improving my eating habits. In the Caribbean culture, hot sauce is one of the items that has high sodium content. The fact that this organization discussed something so familiar along with the dangerous effects it can have on your health really assisted in sharing this information with our clients and families.” Romeo adds, “Everyone in this shop appreciates the Arthur Ashe Institute and what they have been doing, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”