09 Feb 2015 Conway Regional Women's Council plans childhood obesity program

In the United States, 68 percent of adults ages 20 and older are overweight or obese, while 31.7 percent of children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese. Obesity contributes to five of the 10 leading causes of death in America, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, many cancers and stroke.

As part of its effort to help combat the obesity epidemic in Faulkner County, the Conway Regional Women’s Council will show Part 3 of the HBO documentary “The Weight of the Nation” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the Conway Regional Medical Center Auditorium. The video will focus on childhood obesity.

Three years in the making, “The Weight of the Nation” examines the facts and myths surrounding obesity as a public health issue, showing how obesity affects the health of the nation and the health care system. The film features case studies and interviews with leading experts, individuals and families struggling with obesity. The series also highlights how individuals, worksites, and communities are making positive changes.

The program will end with a Q&A session with state and local health experts including:

•    Jayme Mayo, a certified PA/wellness director with Nabholz Construction
•    Audra Walters, co-chair of the Early Childhood and Schools Team, Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention
•    Mandi Townsend, RN, Conway School District and Marguerite Vann Elementary School
•    Ashley O’Roark, wellness coordinator/clinical dietitian, Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center

The program is free to the public and is part of the Women’s Council’s 2015 focus on obesity education. 

“Obesity has become a serious threat to the health of our nation, and it is important that we facilitate community action now to help reduce the obesity rates and improve the health of our community members,” said Women’s Council President Jennifer Hill.

The Conway Regional Women’s Council is an advocacy group that promotes women’s health education and provides support for fundraising and volunteer services for Conway Regional Health System.

“The Weight of the Nation” is a presentation of HBO and the Institute of Medicine, in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, and in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.

For more information, call the Conway Regional Foundation Office at 501.513.5771 or email [email protected].