State
Senator Gustavo Rivera along with Bronx Borough President Ruben
Diaz Jr., Montefiore Medical Center and other community health partners
launched the second year of the Bronx CAN Health Initiative on June 2nd
at St. James Park. Dozens of Bronxites participated in Saturday's health
fair, taking advantage of blood pressure screenings, a free yoga class
and the advice of health care professionals.
"As an elected official that represents
part of the Bronx, I was extremely concerned to learn that our borough
the unhealthiest in the state and that there are higher rates of
childhood obesity, diabetes and other preventable diseases in the
33rd Senate District," said Senator Gustavo Rivera. "That
is why last year when we launched the Bronx CAN Health Initiative, I
pledged to make myself an example, losing over 27 lbs. since last June.
This year I have pledged to continue to lose between 10-15 lbs. adhering
to long-term goals that will ultimately have an enormous impact on my
overall health. I encourage all Bronxites who haven't already joined me,
to join me in taking the Bronx CAN Health Challenge this year so that
together we can make the Bronx healthier."
"I
am delighted that the Bronx CAN Health Initiative is beginning its
second year of education, inspiration and motivation for healthier
lifestyles. This year we will again launch the CAN Health Challenge,
led by Senator Rivera, encouraging Bronxites to set some strategic
wellness goals for the summer months. We are also putting the finishing
touches on a CAN Retail Challenge that is aimed at educating our Bronx
retailers on the minor but significant adjustments they can make to
provide healthier food options to their consumers," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
"I am thrilled to join Senator Rivera and Borough President Diaz in the launch of the Bronx CAN Health Initiative" said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President & CEO of Montefiore Medical Center.
"Our community leaders set tremendous examples for us, as does the
partnership behind this important initiative. Montefiore is committed to
furthering these efforts to promote physical exercise and healthier
eating-choices crucial to reducing the rates of obesity and diabetes and
to advancing the health of our borough.
"The
Committee of interns and Residents is pleased to be partnering with the
Bronx CAN Initiative for the second year in a row, " said Dr. Yusef Williams, Family Medicine Resident at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. "As
physicians practicing in the Bronx, we understand the importance of
community projects like the Bronx CAN Initiative to empower Bronxites to
make healthier choices. We applaud Senator Rivera's and the Borough
President's commitment to making the Bronx a healthier borough and we
look forward to supporting the initiative."
The
Bronx CAN Health Initiative was launched in response to the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation's study that showed the Bronx as the unhealthiest
county in the state of New York. This initiative will tackle issues of
obesity, nutrition, exercise and access to preventative health in the
Bronx. The month of June and the June 2nd launch on the initiative will
be focused on physical fitness and exercise.
Upcoming Bronx CAN events:
- Saturday, July 7, 2012 - 1:30PM-3:30PM - Health Fair focused on Nutrition
- Saturday, August 4, 2012 - 1:30PM - 3:30PM - Health Fair focused on Preventative Health & Health Screenings
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