Prof. Razzano Leading 150-Mile Bicycle Ride To Raise Awareness of Childhood Obesity

Posted by: admin on July 12, 2012, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania Professor Kimberly Razzano is leading a 150-mile bicycle ride that began today to raise awareness for the fight against childhood obesity.

More than 30 health and physical education teachers from Pennsylvania and other mid-Atlantic states will join the three-day “Capital to Capitol ONE Ride,” sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD).

“After a year of planning, it is exciting to see the level of participation and support for the ride, from the donations to the volunteers, to the riders, each of them taking time to stand up for such a life-changing cause,” said Razzano, PSAHPERD president and associate professor of health studies at ESU.

The group took off Monday, July 9, from the steps of the state Capitol Building in Harrisburg, planning to ride 54 miles that day and 74 miles on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, they will take the remainder of their journey along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail and make a short stop at the national headquarters of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) in Reston,Va.

Their ultimate destination is the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness about the impact childhood obesity has on lifelong health, advocate for legislative attention to the problem, and raise money for educational programs. The group hopes to raise $10,000 through community fundraisers, sponsorships, and personal donations.

“The K-12 years are a crucial time in a child’s life,” Razzano noted. “This is when attitudes and behaviors regarding personal health are established.”

She noted that physical inactivity and poor nutrition are two of the six risk factors identified by the Centers for Disease Control as leading to premature death.

“We hope this event will raise strong awareness about the negative impact of childhood obesity on adult wellness and encourage a lifelong commitment to healthy choices; including healthy eating and physical activity,” Razzano said. “It is imperative that we increase federal attention towards preventive measures and raise funds to support quality educational programs.”

Donations may be made online through the PSAHPERD 21st Century Endowment Fund at www.psahperd.org/21st_Century_Endowment.

About the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (PSAHPERD)

The Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 education association supporting the professions that encourage active healthful lifestyles in Pennsylvania.

About the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD)

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a research consortium, is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.