It is by now well known that America has a weight problem. But did you know that a staggering 80% of one particular group of our population—African American women—are considered obese or overweight?
As a black woman, I couldn’t believe it when I first heard this statistic. Then I resolved to make a difference. How? By educating others about how to get healthy and slim down. My role at the national running organization, Black Girls RUN!, helps me do just that.
For many of us, the secret is to start small.
Every journey begins with one step, whether it’s walking or running. No matter what your color, having a healthy diet and be physically active can lessen your chances of getting heart disease or any other major health condition.
In celebrating your journey to a better heart health, keep in mind:
- Not to be overwhelmed: Whatever first step you take, it is not too small. What matters is you are taking that first step.
- Do not do it alone: What better way to celebrate getting healthier than to do it with a friend or family member. Celebrate health together.
- Do not get discouraged: It’s okay, we all have to fall down to get back up stronger.
“The rate of adults and children diagnosed as overweight or obese are staggering. It will take a collaborative effort from the community to build a healthier community,” said Ashley Hicks, co-founder of Black Girls RUN!.
The Preserve the Sexy Tour will feature Black Girls RUN!’s unique “Walk Before You RUN!” training program, guiding women in their journey from walking to running. Participants will also receive information and tools on choosing the best running gear, hair maintenance tips, nutrition and healthy eating, and more.
Upcoming “Preserve the Sexy” 2013 tour stops include:
- March 16 – Richmond, Va.
- April 20 – Atlanta
- May 11 – Jackson, Miss.
- June 8 – Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.
For more information on the tour, please visit the Preserve the Sexy website.
Make a pledge today to better your health. It just takes one step, the first step, to change the rest of your life.
Ratings and Comments
a good path to better health, cool.
Get Fit. Great. Except REI is putting the CEO of the Vitamin Shoppe, Anthony Truesdale on our Board. The Vitamin Shoppe, which sells nutritional supplements, sells Jack3d containing DMAA. Developed by Eli Lilly as a decongestant, DMAA was banned by the World Anti Doping Agency in 2010. Britan, Swede, Denmark, Finaland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia have effectively banned supplments containing DMAA. Jack3d has been banned by the US military after the death of a recruit during training. A British coroner sited Jack3d in the death of Calir Squires who collapsed and died during the London Marathon. So what is this merchant of dangerous supplements doing on the REI board. Get Fit. Get Dead. Its all good.
Unable to Post Comment
We were unable to post your comment at this time. Your opinion matters, so please try again later.
Close