Taking strides against obesity
Eight Syracuse churches launch effort Sunday to halt epidemic in black community.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
By James T. Mulder
Staff writer
Eight black churches in Syracuse are asking members to wear tennis shoes to services Sunday.
Congregants will take to the street after services for a three-mile round-trip walk from Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 515 Oakwood Ave., to Living Water Church of God in Christ, 121 Huron St. The walk, expected to draw more than 350 people of all ages, is being organized by the Genesis Health Project, a program designed to halt the obesity epidemic in the black community by promoting exercise and healthy eating habits.
"We're not trying to break any speed records," said Betty Brown, a retired nurse helping to organize the event. "We don't want it to be anything too strenuous. We want them to get the idea that walking is fun and healthy."
Members are being encouraged to walk with their families, especially their fathers.
"We were very happy to schedule this on Father's Day because we are trying to send a message," said Luvenia Cowart, assistant dean of the College of Human Services and Health Professionals at Syracuse University and founder of the Genesis Health Project. "We are telling people to bring dad along because we know so many of our men are not as involved in their health care as females generally are."
The share of black Americans who are obese increased from 19 percent in 1991 to 31 percent in 2001. By comparison, about 20 percent of whites were obese in 2001. Statistics from the American Obesity Association show 78 percent of black women are overweight and 51 percent are obese. Among black teens, 46 percent are overweight and 27 percent are obese.
The Genesis Health Project is promoting exercise and nutrition through churches because those institutions play a pivotal role in the black community, according to Lindsey R. Reider, a fitness expert and assistant professor at Onondaga Community College.
"It's all about bringing wellness to where the people are and incorporating it into their lives," he said.
Genesis recently kicked off its second annual 13-week summer health program for members of the eight churches. It combines exercise and nutritional education. More than 100 people signed up. Participants meet each Saturday morning at one of the churches for training and exercise. They also are assigned exercises to do at home. The program begins with easy exercises and gradually increases to more strenuous activities aimed at getting people exercising 30 minutes five times a week.
"One of the primary goals is to promote becoming a lifetime exerciser," Cowart said.
The Genesis Health Project recently received a $25,000 grant from the Rosamond Gifford Foundation to create a similar program targeting youth obesity. The youth program is in the planning stages.
The Genesis Health Project also is funded by Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wegmans, Wal-Mart and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
You can contact James T. Mulder at
jmulder@syracuse.com or 470-2245.