CBCF BLACK HEALTH EMPOWERMENT TOUR HEADS TO HOUSTON
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Others Help Families Combine Fitness, Food and Fun

WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), along with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and UnitedHealth Group, will bring its Black Health Empowerment Project (BHEP) Tour to Houston on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Empowerment Community Center, 8333 Sweetwater Lane. The free event will include breakfast and lunch.

BHEP is a national health initiative created and produced by CBCF to educate African Americans about the relationship between obesity and chronic diseases. The project brings civic leaders, health experts and communities together to discuss practical strategies for reversing this public health crisis affecting adults and youth. The tour’s theme is “Eat, Move and Test for Health.”

“As families begin to focus on this holiday season, I believe it is important that we not forget the most important gift anyone can give their family and community is a healthy mind and body. Healthy children and families mean stronger communities,” said U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a congresswoman from Houston and member of the CBCF’s Board of Directors. “BHEP gives families an opportunity to learn about important health issues, speak with experts and explore available resources.”

The event has two components: a healthy living forum and a health and fitness expo. Rosyln Bazzelle, creator of PIYOLET – a new, unique and exciting form of exercise that combines: Pilates (PI), Yoga (YO) and Ballet (LET) – will conduct an inspirational exercise session during the forum, from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Medical and nutrition experts, including Dr. David Pryor of BlackWomensHealth.com, will also share information and advice during the forum.

During the expo, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., participants will enjoy cooking and fitness demonstrations and obtain free health screenings; exhibitors will also provide information on topics ranging from diabetes and hypertension to stress reduction and weight management, and children and families can enjoy activities such as face painting, fitness games and meeting Toro, mascot of the Houston Texans.

“Too many African American men, women, and children are suffering from obesity-related diseases and health conditions,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., the foundation’s president and chief executive officer. “Many of the conditions are preventable if we take a more active role in watching our diets, engaging in physical activity, understanding our genetic history and getting periodic health screenings. We know that through the Black Health Empowerment Project we can have a positive impact on the health of individuals who participate in the activities.”

The BHEP initiative signals a partnership between the public and private sectors – a collaboration that is crucial to fighting the obesity epidemic. BlackWomensHealth.com is a program partner, and that strengthens the capacity of youth-serving organizations.

“We must all be committed to improving the health of our communities, and the BHEP initiative is a perfect example of that commitment,” said Rich Buckley, vice president of government affairs for AstraZeneca. “AstraZeneca is dedicated to providing individuals with the information and tools that will empower families to take charge of their health.”

To increase obesity awareness, the tour also visited Brooklyn, Detroit, Atlanta and St. Thomas, V.I., earlier this year. The program is expected to tour additional cities in 2008.

To pre-register for the Houston event, call (888) 353-BHEP (2437). Visit www.cbcfinc.org or www.bheptour.org for additional information about the Black Health Empowerment Project.

About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute intended to help improve the socio-economic circumstances of Africa Americans and other underserved communities.