Conference to Focus on Obesity and ‘Super-Sized’ Kids

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Childhood obesity will be the focus of the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Obesity to be held Feb. 21-22 at The University of Alabama Bryant Conference Center.

The conference will explore issues on “Childhood Obesity: Linking Community Practice with Practice Communities” and will feature keynote speaker Dr. Walt Larimore, award-winning medical journalist and author of the book “Super-Sized Kids: How to Rescue Your Child from the Obesity Threat.”

Alabama First Lady Patsy Riley will also be at the event for the conference welcome on Feb. 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Sellars Auditorium of the Bryant Center.

Larimore will speak on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 8:45-10 a.m. in Sellars Auditorium. He will provide a step-by-step, medically sound and eminently doable lifestyle change program designed for the whole family and give sound suggestions for impacting school and community programs as well as what government leaders can do to help.

Along with several informative sessions lead by health care professionals, the conference will also feature exhibits and book sales, healthy lunches and a special luncheon presentation by U.S. Rep. Artur Davis of Alabama’s 7th district.

The conference is sponsored by the UA College of Continuing Studies, department of Intercollegiate Athletics, UA System, and UA School of Medicine, Continuing Medical Education in conjunction with the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Obesity is a major health problem affecting adults and young people alike within the Appalachian Region. National reports indicate the population trends in obesity continue to worsen and the types and severity of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and sleep apnea — which can be associated with obesity — are likely to increase as well. Childhood obesity is especially alarming as the very overweight child or adolescent is highly likely to become an obese young adult.

This conference aims to link communities with health professionals through presentations about community-based solutions from which the health professionals can learn and incorporate into their practice-related activities. Community professionals, parents and members of the general public are encouraged to attend.

For program information call 205/348-3029 or e-mail nhodo@ccs.ua.edu; for registration information call 205/348-3000. Also visit the Web sites http://obesity.ua.edu or http://pdcs.ccs.ua.edu.

A limited number of scholarships may be available. Pre-conference workshops will also be offered on Feb. 20.

Conference Web sites:
http://obesity.ua.edu
http://pdcs.ccs.ua.edu

keynote speaker:
Dr. Walt Larimore
http://www.drwalt.com