PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate
Release:
For more information contact:
May 5,
2004
Nona Ogunsula Executive Director
FOR THIS CAUSE, Inc.
202-547-7953
Patricia Sullivan
Press Information Prince George's County
Health Department 301-883-7851
2004 NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK EVENTS TO BE HELD AT THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY SPORTS AND LEARNING COMPLEX
Washington, D.C. - FOR THIS CAUSE, Inc., Prince George's Health Department, Comcast and Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex have joined forces to host events during the 2nd Annual National Women's Health Week, May 9 - 15, 2004.
This year's program communicates a strong prevention message: Be Proactive: The leading killers of women, heart disease and cancer, can be successfully prevented or treated if caught early enough.
"Women will be challenged and encouraged to make positive lifestyle changes in areas such as physical activity, smoking, and nutrition that ensure healthier lives for both themselves and their families," said Nona Ogunsula, Executive Director, For This Cause, Inc., who is helping to organize the two events. "Women, who are the center of family life, have to take their health seriously."
The American Kidney Fund will provide FREE Screenings to the public at the Kick-Off Event to be held Tuesday, May 11, 2004 from 6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD. Through a program called Minority Intervention and Kidney Education (MIKE), the American Kidney Fund's screening will test for liver function, kidney function, heart function, thyroid function, bone/muscle function, glucose for diabetes, iron for Anemia, blood pressure and more. Individuals will receive some feedback from the tests at the screenings. Other results will be mailed within approximately 7 days. Persons must fast for at least 8 hours prior to having the tests. All interested persons must register for the screening by calling 301-772-1192. Space is limited to the first 125 participants.
Commit to Healthy Living will be held the evening of May 11, 2004 at 6 p.m. This event is a forum featuring speakers Frederick Corder, M.D., Health Officer for Prince George's County, Rana Walker, M.Ed, Life Coach - Starting Over Television Show and First Lady Leslie Johnson, Prince George's County, Maryland. "Health reports are indicating that physical inactivity and unhealthy eating are strongly linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis-related disabilities," said Frederick J. Corder, M.D., F.A.A.P., Prince George's County Health Officer, who is one of the featured speakers. "Fortunately, many chronic diseases are preventable. People who adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors can expect to live longer lives."
Women attending this event will be provided important information from exhibitors and be given tips on Healthy Living - Living Smoke-Free Education - Nutritional Advice. To accommodate women with children, a concurrent children's program is planned with speakers on tobacco use prevention and physical activity/fitness. Other event highlights include a book signing by Dr. Lillian Beard - Author of "Salt in Your Sock," free prizes and giveaways. There will be an Exhibitors/Organizations Fair at 6 p.m. - followed by the main program at 7 p.m. and a reception at 8:30 p.m.
At this event women will also be encouraged to sign up for TAKE THE
CHALLENGE, a six week program (May 18 - June 28, 2004) - just for women who are
willing to make a commitment to Eat Well, Be Active, and Live Smoke-Free. The
program will provide nutritional counseling, time management and stress
reduction techniques, fitness training, smoking cessation education, and more.
To register or to receive more information, please call 202-547-2637 or visit
www.forthiscause.org.
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