For Immediate Release
The Community Health Awareness & Monitoring Program
2901 Druid Park Drive/Suite 103 Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 669-6340 phone (410) 669-9291 fax
Contact: Landas Lockett Ina Glenn-Smith
Walk Coordinator Asst.Director
240-925-4769 410-669-6340
Innovative Project to Promote Physical Activity Using
St. Mary’s County’s Role in the Underground Railroad
St. Mary’s Co., Maryland –April 12, 2010 Health Freedom: A Path to Wellness is an innovative project promoting increased physical activity and making creative use of St. Mary’s County’s role in the Underground Railroad. Participants will walk a section of the historical route connected with the plight of slaves seeking freedom and become motivated to achieve their own freedom from the bondage of poor health habits.
Participants will walk in honor of both those who walked for freedom and those who assisted in the struggle. Everyone who walks will be given the name of an Abolitionist, Quaker or Freedom Seeker who made it to freedom. All walkers will receive a t-shirt and a “Freedman Slave Tag Replica key ring” to symbolize their freedom from sedentary lifestyle.
The goal of this event is to encourage our communities to free themselves from the bondage of a sedentary lifestyle and become more active. By doing this, individuals can begin on their journey to wellness and potentially live healthier lives by continuing to participate in some form of physical activity.
The 5-K walk will be held on Friday, June 18, 2010. Registration at 5:30 p.m., Walk at 6:30 p.m. rain or shine. The walk will begin and end at the St. Mary's Historical Society, 41680 Tudor Drive, Leonardtown, Maryland. All ages are welcome. There will be a variety of health screenings, educational presentations on the Underground Railroad, entertainment, a manumission ceremony, to name a few.
© Obesity in Maryland causes health care costs to be 37% higher,
outpatient care 36% higher, and medication costs 77% higher.
(R. Sturm.Rand Corporation, 2001).
© Many Marylanders are not physically active on a regular basis.
4 of every 5 Maryland adults do not get regular physical activity.
© Heart disease was the number one killer of Marylanders in 1999, accounting for almost 40% of all deaths.
© There are a number of diseases related to obesity and from
being overweight such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood
pressure, cancer, and arthritis. These significantly affect various
communities of Baltimore.
© An estimated 300,000 deaths a year are attributed to problems of
being overweight and obese.
Health Freedom, Inc., C.H.A.M.P. (Community Health Awareness & Monitoring Program), the American Heart Association – Maryland Affiliate, American Diabetes Association and local health departments around the state are sponsors of this project for the citizens of Maryland.
To get more information or to register for the walk and other yearlong activities, call 410 669-6340 or 1 888- 511 WALK (9255) or visit www.healthfreedominc.com.
