Free event intended to reverse obesity trend in youth
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be holding its fifth annual free health and fitness expo, "Share the Health," on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Blair, where scientific posters by Blair and Takoma Park Middle School students will be displayed.
The emphasis will be on informing the public about ways to increase personal fitness and maintain good health. Scientists believe obesity is on the rise among children and teens, and the expo will provide an opportunity to help them prevent weight gain.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Holly Heart, the robotic spokesperson for Sister to Sister: Everyone has a Heart Foundation, Incorporated.
According to the NIH newsbrief, children will be able to participate in hands-on science experiments, moon bounces, puppet shows and games. Teens will be able to mount a rock-climbing wall and take part in sports clinics, computer games and fitness challenges. Adults will have the opportunity to take advantage of health screenings, seminars, wellness workshops, exhibits and fitness activities.
Other activities planned for the expo include interactive health seminars led by NIH scientists, the 2004 NIH Healthy Games (the organization's version of the summer Olympics), rescue vehicle tours and free health information distribution.
In the SAC, scientists will run exhibits and seminars representing the 27 institutes and centers that make up NIH. "This is our way to have the NIH scientists share our research with the public," says NIH contact Walter Mitton.
This is the first year NIH has taken the Health Expo off their campus in Bethesda. In 2002, 700 people, the majority of whom were white, came to the event. This year, NIH is expecting over 5,000. "We are trying to diversify the attendees of the Expo," says Mitton.
A free shuttle service will be provided from the Silver Spring Metro from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. courtesy of Priority One.
The NIH Office of Community Liaison will be sponsoring this event.
For more information, contact Jill George at Palladin Partners at 301-650-8660 or e-mail sharethehealth@palladianpartners.com. You can also visit their website here.
Feza Kikaya. Feza Kikaya is finally a SENIOR in the CAP program at Blair. She enjoys driving, hanging out with friends and laughing. Most importantly, Feza is counting down the days to graduation so she can begin a new chapter of her life in college. Her favorite … More »
Lauren DalBello. Not be confused with Eva Cassidy, Lauren DalBello likes having fun. She can most often be seen smiling. She is excited about Switzerland next year, but she will also miss everything from her little hometown better known as Takoma Park. More »
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