Free Event Features Fitness Expert Donna Richardson, Health Screenings, Workout Sessions, Door Prizes and Give-a-ways
(MEMPHIS, TENN – May 9, 2013) A total of 650,000 area residents call themselves Memphians. Of that number, one third are obese, which puts them at risk for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, according to the Gallop Well-Being Index.
These statistics helped precipitate the launch of the Healthy Church Challenge 100-day weight loss competition, which will culminate in an Obesity Summit on Saturday, June 1, at Breath of Life Christian Center, 3795 Frayser Raleigh Rd., in the Raleigh community.
The Summit is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presented by BlueCross® BlueShield® of Tennessee, the purpose of the Summit is to educate participants, disseminate health information and encourage participants to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise and live a healthy lifestyle both spiritually and physically.
“In light of Memphis’ dubious distinction as a fat city, we hope those who are grappling with weight issues take advantage of the Obesity Summit and the presentations from some of our leading health experts,” said Calvin Anderson, senior vice president and chief of staff at BlueCross.
Donna Richardson, an internationally renowned fitness expert, will serve again as this year’s Summit keynote speaker. For more than 25 years, Richardson has educated, empowered, energized and encouraged men, women and children to live healthier lifestyles by incorporating good nutrition and daily physical activity to improve overall wellness. She has lectured and conducted seminars in more than 40 countries, and starred in more than 25 award-winning videos, including “Body Gospel” and “Sweating in the Spirit.”
Other speakers and workshop presenters include Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., pastor of St. Andrew AME Church and the public health policy advisor for Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, certified trainer Yusuf Boyd of BIOMechaniks of Germantown, and Chef Timothy Moore, a personal plant-based chef and wellness coach.
Dr. Robinson’s career as a minister, physician, educator and chief health officer includes serving as the former commissioner of the Department of Health for the State of Tennessee. He has been an integral part of policy decisions regarding the health of residents in the city and state.
For participants who want to get a good workout in, plan to get moving with Boyd, who is known for motivating and challenging participants to stretch and bend during light weight exercises. The purpose: to improve muscle tone to achieve the ultimate in health and wellness.
Chef Moore writes a weekly health column in the Tri-State Defender on topics such as obesity, diabetes and cancer, and encourages healthy eating habits, daily exercise and a lifestyle change. He will demonstrate simple ways to cook quick, tasty, healthy and affordable meals minus fattening oils and dairy products.
The winners of the 100-day weight loss challenge will also be announced during the Summit. Monetary gift certificates will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-place churches whose teams lose the greatest percentage of weight. There will be three individual awards as well, including a $500 gift certificate to the person who loses the greatest amount of weight overall.
There will be presentations as well by the clinical staff at The Regional Medical Center at Memphis, various healthcare screenings, vendors, door prizes and giveaways. Bring your sneakers and get moving with exercise workshops.
Along with BlueCross, the Challenge is sponsored by The Regional Medical Center at Memphis, Hallelujah 95.7 FM, The New Tri-State Defender, Biomechaniks, News Channel 3 and the City of Memphis.
For more information on the Obesity Summit, call 901.278.0881 or visit Facebook.com/The Healthy Church Challenge.