What:
Summa Health System and Akron General Health System are proud sponsors of the American Society
for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) Annual “Walk from
Obesity.” In cities across America, obesity sufferers and survivors, along with family, friends, healthcare
professionals and many others, will join forces and walk to raise money for research, education,
prevention and treatment of the life threatening disease of obesity.
Why:
Obesity is a serious health epidemic that affects one in three Americans. The Annual Walk from Obesity
will support the ASMBS and OAC in their efforts to increase research funding for obesity, improve
awareness of the negative stigma associated with obesity, and provide educational resources and
treatment options for all those affected by this disease.
The ASMBS and OAC provided the following statistics on obesity:
- More than 93 million Americans are obese, with that number predicted to increase to 120 million
in the next five years.
- Obesity costs our health care system more than $270 billion each year.
- Obesity is a leading cause of preventable death.
- Obesity increases the likelihood of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
- Obesity is a disease treated through a combination of methods that may include diet,
exercise and/or medication.
- For the morbidly obese, those 100 pounds or more overweight, weight-loss surgery may
be the only effective option. People need to consult with a health professional to help
determine which methods are appropriate for them.
When:
Sat. Sept. 22
9:30 a.m. registration
10 a.m. walk
Where:
Firestone Park, Tuscarawas Shelter
2620 Harrington Rd., Akron
RSVP:
Visit www.walkfromobesity.com to pre-register for $25. Walkers also can register on the day of the event for $35.
For more information about registration, contact Debbie Pasini, RN, BSN, CBN at pasinid@summahealth.org or (330) 375-6590.
PR Contact: