Madison AKAs fight the dismal statistics on African-American obesity

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A recently released national study  showed that almost one out of every two African-Americans in Wisconsin is obese, which is the highest percentage for this populace of any of the 50 states. Local Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) President Frances Huntley-Cooper saw that study and was amazed. Her AKA’s hope to help to beging to put a serious dent in those numbers as they host “Walk It Out 2010” at Madison College’s Truax Campus Saturday, July 24.
“One of the main messages that I hope people get out of this event is that it is never too late to get fit,” Huntley-Cooper says. “Regardless of what age you are or what shape you are in, it’s not too late to get fit because there are so many alternatives out there that you can try.”

The Kappa Psi Omega Chapter of the AKA’s will host this free fitness event in partnership with Group Health Cooperatvie of South Central Wisconsin, Susan G. Komen Foundation, 100 Black Men of Madison, and Madison College.  The day will start off with a two-mile walk around Bridges Golf Course that will end up back at Madison College. Awaiting the eventgoers will be a health fair that will be full of important health information. There will be pilates, relaxation training and practice, Tai Chi, massage, kickboxing and other workshops. A healthy lunch will be provided to all of the participants.

“We’ve got Zumba classes this year which are very popular. Everybody likes that one because you dance to music,” Huntley-Cooper says. “We’re also bringing back the chair massages that were such a hit last year.”
This year’s event will feature Chef Rod Ladson of Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, an atmospheric, traditional 1940s style supper club located in Middleton specializing in a wide variety of steaks and chops,

“He’ll be doing the cooking demonstration and teaching us how to cook chicken and cabbage in a healthy way,” Huntley-Cooper says. “Chef Rod is diabetic and he lost a lot of weight by cooking differently. It’s going to be exciting to have him at the event.”

This is the third year for the walk and the second one that has featured a health fair. Nearly 60 people participated in the first event two years ago — a one-mile walk to help AKA celebrate their 100 years of community service and to raise awareness about the importance of fitness.  “The luncheon speakers will show how they were able to drop weight by exercising and eating healthy,” Huntley-Cooper says of Iron Man Competitor Aaron Perry and motivational speaker Theola Carter.

According to that new report by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,  44 percent of the state’s African-American populace is obese, in comparison to approximately 26 percent for Whites and around 25 percent for Latinos.

The bleak difference between African-Americans and other associations is likely rooted in lifestyle differences. So how do we convince people living incredibly busy lives that their health is important and they need to focus on what they eat and how much they exercise?

“That’s a tough question because I think I’m a good example of somebody who is overweight who is also extremely busy in life — in addition to my job I do a lot of volunteer work and serve on different boards. It’s cut down on my ability to exercise consistently as well as eat healthy. But I think you have to prioritize. You can’t do everything and at some point you have to put yourself first.”

The AKAs hope that the Walk It Out health fair will keep healthy ideas, concepts, and practices in the forefront throughout the year.
“We will have resource tables at the event with various areas of expertise where people can find out more about how they can continue to do healthy things, how they can stay on track, and what resources are available to help them year-round,” Huntley-Cooper says. “But that’s a good question: How do we not just introduce things to people but keep them motivated for the long term?

“We’re hoping that we get the people who came last year, but we want to increase that number to come out and support each other and say, ‘Yes, we can lose this weight….. yes, we will lose this weight.’” Huntley-Cooper adds. “Hopefully, we will give them enough options to help them best figure out how they can reach their getting healthy goals. And if they can meet other people who also want to eat healthy and exercise it will make things easier as they develop a buddy that they can walk with, talk with, call, and support.
“The community is very excited and our sponsors are excited. We’re looking forward to a great turnout, some fun times, and getting some exercise — all at the same time!”

Walk It Out 2010 will be held at Madison College’s Truax Campus Saturday, July 24, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  In case of inclement weather, Walk it Out activities will begin at 9 a.m. inside the Madison College Truax facility. For more information, call 239-7772.

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