USA - Dallas Concilio hosts health celebration to promote physical activity among Hispanics

Citation

(2007), "USA - Dallas Concilio hosts health celebration to promote physical activity among Hispanics", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 20 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2007.06220fab.003

USA - Dallas Concilio hosts health celebration to promote physical activity among Hispanics

A joint venture between the Dallas Concilio of Hispanic Service Organizations and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health called ¡Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving! will tackle diabetes, obesity, and other health issues by promoting healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and fun. The citywide event will take place on Saturday, June 9 at Reverchon Park, 3505 Maple Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will present an array of interactive activities for the entire family.

With appearances by local entertainment and sports celebrities, along with performances by local music acts, the celebration promises to provide an action-packed day. Activities included an obstacle course; basketball with the Mavs Street Team, soccer and other sports; and high tech games that promote activity.

“We want to create new, positive attitudes towards physical activity and encourage families to lead healthier lives”, said Dallas Concilio CEO Florencia Velasco Fortner. “With this health fair, parents and children will realize that fitness and good nutrition can be easy and fun.”

Participants took advantage of free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose levels, vision, HIV, dental health, and kidney testing. Exhibits included “Ask the doctor” and “Ask the trainer”, martial arts, a fitness clinic, and dancing demonstrations.

“Making movement a daily part of your life is one of the most important steps you can take for your and your family’s health”, said Dr Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. “¡Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving! reminds us that people of all ages and sizes can make physical activity a part of their daily lives – and have fun doing it!”

The event will take place in ten different cities around the country, with Dallas as one of two Texas sites. Dallas has consistently rated among the top ten overweight cities measured by Men’s Fitness Magazine, with Hispanics having a higher likelihood of getting diabetes and/or becoming obese than the general population. ¡Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving! provides Hispanic families with an opportunity to learn more about ways to make physical activity a part of our daily lives – dance, learn a new activity, or walk with family or friends – and reminds us all that there are hundreds of great ways to get up and get moving for your health!

The Dallas Concilio of Hispanic Service Organizations is a nonprofit agency that has served the Greater Dallas community since 1981. The group’s mission is to advocate and enhance the quality of life for Hispanics through community partnerships. The Dallas Concilio services more than 5,000 individuals each year through programs that provide access to healthcare, diabetes awareness, training on parental involvement in education, and assistance to other organizations serving the Hispanic community. For more information: www.dallasconcilio.org

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation’s foremost source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The Alliance represents thousands of health providers across the nation providing services to more than 14 million Hispanics each year, making a daily difference in the lives of Hispanic communities and families.

For further information: www.hispanichealth.org