Sheehan Health Network

NEW YORK STATE'S FIRST LADY MICHELLE PAIGE PATERSON IS FEATURED SPEAKER FOR COMMUNITY LUNCHEON HIGHLIGHTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY

August 7th, 2008


October 8, 2008 PRESS RELEASE

(Buffalo, NY) On Friday, October 17, 2008 New York State's First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson will be the honoree and presenter at a Community Luncheon hosted by Sheehan Health Network and its collaborating partners -- BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, University at Buffalo, Kaleida Health and Roswell Park Cancer Institute-- at the Adams Mark Hotel at 12:00 pm. The First Lady will discuss the growing epidemic of pediatric obesity and her new initiative, Healthy Steps to Albany, a fitness campaign that stresses the importance of children learning about eating healthy foods and getting exercise. Mrs. Paterson is working to turn an exercise challenge that she developed as a private citizen into a state-wide initiative.

Preventing Pediatric Obesity: Creating a Community Plan to Make Health and Fitness a Lifestyle Choice is the theme for the series of events that will commemorate the First Lady's visit. In addition to the community luncheon, other events scheduled include a reception hosted by BlueCross BlueShield and a Power Breakfast and discussion hosted by the University at Buffalo where participants will discuss pediatric obesity and the steps necessary to create a community plan to make health and fitness a lifestyle choice.

"Mrs. Paterson's visit and presentation presents an excellent opportunity for the Buffalo medical and academic communities to review the planning and research development regarding pediatric obesity," stated June W. Hoeflich, president and CEO of Sheehan Health Network.

Inspired by the First Lady's fitness initiative and focus on pediatric obesity, Sheehan in collaboration with the University at Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, and Kaleida Health will kick off a high school fitness and nutrition program competition with the adopted schools of the collaborating partners.

Each school will select a group of 3-5 students to enter the 10-week challenge. Weekly, they will come to Sheehan to participate in nutrition and exercise training and programming. Each group will be given various activities that promote exercise and healthy eating. There will be a prize given to the winning team.

The obesity epidemic in the United States is not just impacting the quality of life among adults, but also among children. Sadly, New York State is not immune to this growing threat. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 25 to 30 percent of adult obesity cases begin with childhood (pediatric) obesity. A history of being overweight in childhood that continues into adulthood is associated with more severe complications of obesity later in life. Furthermore, statistics state that 15 percent of children and adolescents today can be labeled as having childhood (pediatric) obesity in the U.S.

The luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are $50.00 per person and can be purchased by calling Sheehan at 716 848-2169. For additional information please email rsvpevent@smhhealth.org.

About Sheehan Health Network
Sheehan Health Network, a medical facility located at 425 Michigan Street in downtown Buffalo, is a vital part of the Buffalo's health care community. Sheehan's preventive health services include Family Care, Pediatrics, Specialty Care Clinics (OB/GYN, cardiology, orthopedics, podiatry, urology and surgical consultation), Diagnostic Services, and the City View Treatment Center, which provides alcohol and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation. The Sheehan Dental Clinic will open October 2008.

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