PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 20, 2011 — State Sen. Anthony H. Williams invites the community to walk, run and even dance their way to a healthier lifestyle throughout October as he launches “Health Awareness Month” in the 8th District.
“A healthy lifestyle ensures a better quality of life and just makes the body feel good. But if you don’t eat right and exercise, there are numerous lasting consequences, including illnesses that range from diabetes to obesity to heart disease, as well as the costs to treat them. There can be another way,” Williams said. “I’m devoting an entire month to showing the community all the fun, simple and life-changing ways to help keep us all fit and feeling great.”
The month-long series of events kicks off with the American Diabetes Association “Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes” fundraising 5K walk on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:30 a.m.
Constituents and organizations are invited to join the senator’s team, “Tony’s Tapestry,” representing the 8th District. To register, visit http://stepout.diabetes.org.
Diabetes is a leading cause of premature death in America. Some 1 in 10 Philadelphia residents struggle with diabetes. In Delaware County, it’s 1 in 12, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is also a disease that can be managed with diet and exercise, along with medication.
“This walk is a way we can help our family members, friends and neighbors who live with this disease, as well as remind us of a healthy, low-impact habit that can help us control debilitating illness,” Williams said. “It’s a great opportunity to get some fresh fall air and fun exercise. ‘Tony’s Tapestry’ is committed to helping fight this disease.”
Beyond participating in the Oct. 1 walk, Williams is sponsoring a series of free events across the district promoting healthy living on Thursdays and Saturdays:
- Thursday, Oct. 13 – Muscle and strength demonstration class, Kingsessing Recreation Center, 4901 Kingsessing Ave., 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 15 – Bartram Gardens Walk with Bartram Village residents, 54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, 10 a.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 20 – Zumba demonstration class, West Philadelphia YMCA, 5120 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, 5 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 22 – Williams teams with Pennsy Flea Market to present the inaugural Mary Mahoney Health Fair, 1600 S. Warfield St., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 27 – Line dancing with SOCCA CDC, KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, 5900 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 29 – Annual “Walking the Walk” fitness outing, Cobbs Creek Parkway at Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 8:30 a.m. warm-up, 9 a.m. walk
- Saturday, Oct. 29 – Yoga demonstration class, Wake Up Yoga, 4916 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, noon
Williams will also select two schools in October to host “Healthy Harvest” fairs, introducing elementary students to exercise and healthful eating habits.
“These activities are samplers, access points for people to explore exciting ways to incorporate manageable, enjoyable movement into their lives – all for free,” Williams said. “Finding an exercise routine you enjoy and sticking with it can put you on the road for better health, for good. And that benefits us all, as a community and as a society.”
Spaces for demonstration classes are limited and registration is required. Call (215) 492-2980 or e-mail djones@pasenate.com to secure a slot.
For details on any of these events, call (215) 492-2980 or visit www.senatoranthonyhwilliams.com.
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