Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Location Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | Physicians To Join Children, Teens At Fitness Walk and Health FestivaLNational Medical Association Urges More Exercise to Help Reverse Rise in Obesity
Walk a Mile with a Child™ is conducted in every city in which the NMA Annual Convention is held to raise awareness about the nation's rising rate in obesity, which is reaching epidemic proportions. The incidence of obesity among children ages 6-11 has more than doubled in the past 20 years, and more than tripled for adolescents 12-19 years of age. Physicians, walking alongside the young people, will encourage greater physical activity. "Our message is simple," said Cedric Bright, MD, President of the National Medical Association. "Exercise like walking, along with a proper diet, should be part of a daily regimen. There are no membership fees, its low impact, doesn't require practice, and the only equipment is a good pair of walking shoes. We're especially pleased to host the Walk in Louisiana that was ranked the 5th most obese state in the Nation in 2011," added Dr. Bright. Activities at the Health Festival include interactive seminars on heart disease, men's health, children’s health, mental health, diabetes, nutrition, exercise, and prostate cancer; in addition to free medical screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, Hepatitis C, vision exams, and the HIV Rapid Test. There will also be food, giveaways, and raffles for such prizes as WiiFit, an MP3 Player, flat screen television, and more. The initiative is a part of NMA’s “We Stand with You!” campaign which includes community health awareness and outreach. Walk a Mile with a Child is sponsored in New Orleans by Novo Nordisk, Inc., Xavier University, OraSure Technologies, Inc., the National Dairy Council, Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association, and the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. All media are invited to attend, interviews will be granted. ____________________________________________________________ Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve. The NMA repeatedly advocates for policies that would assure equitable and quality health care for all people. To learn more about the NMA, visit www.NMAnet.org. End
|
|