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The two-day health Symposium will kick off on Friday, Sept. 7 with T.E.A.Talk, a relaxing forum co-hosted by the National Medical Association, forladies to listen to and talk with health experts. The Women's Health Symposiumwill feature free health screenings; fitness exercises; healthy cookingdemonstrations; expert panelists and speakers including renowned gynecologiconcologist Groesbeck Parham, MD; Gwendolyn Lipscomb, Director, Office ofMinority Health and Jessica Hardy, Director, Office of Women's Health. DothanCommissioner Larry Matthews and the Honorable Vicki Moore, Mayor of Slocombwill be on hand to make special presentations at the Symposium. As one of theSymposium's many highlights, attendees will be treated to an inspiring specialperformance by evangelist and national gospel artist Karen Clark Sheard.
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National health data shows that among African-American women, heartdisease is the leading cause of death; 1 in 4 over 55 has diabetes and theyaccount for 71% of the 4500 newly diagnosed HIV cases. The dialogue in Dothanis part of an ongoing BET Foundation initiative to encourage healthylifestyles and share information on common preventable obesity-related healthrisks such as diabetes, hypertension, stoke, heart disease, certain forms ofcancers and mental illness through women's health forums.
"The BET Foundation is committed to traveling the U.S. and sharing ourhealthy lifestyle message. Our goal is to make the African-American communityhealthy, one city at time," says Executive Director Lynda Dorman. "We workprimarily with women because health disparities rates among African-Americanwomen are higher compared to other groups, but also because they can educateand encourage healthier choices in their respective households."
The Symposium is free and open to women ages 18 and older; howeveradvanced registration is required as capacity is limited. Interestedindividuals can register for the event by visiting www.ahealthybet.com or call1-800-626-9911, ext 2341 for more information.
ABOUT BET FOUNDATION
The BET Foundation is a non-profit organization created to raise publicawareness to the numerous health-related challenges within African-Americancommunities. Established in 2003, the Foundation takes a pioneering step inaddressing one of the leading behavioral-attributed health concerns amongAfrican-American women and families, obesity-related health concerns. Throughspecifically tailored initiatives and targeted campaigns, the BET Foundationaims to insure that African Americans live longer and healthier lives. The BETFoundation includes public service announcements (PSAs); targeted programmingsegments; seminars and health forums; health brochure materials; a dedicatedtoll-free hotline and website; and a nationwide Healthy BET Fitness Challengecontest to provide the tools and knowledge necessary for communities todevelop long lasting healthy lifestyle habits. For more information, pleasevisit www.ahealthybet.com.
ABOUT GENERAL MILLS
General Mills, with annual net sales of $10.8 billion, is a leading globalmanufacturer and marketer of consumer food products. Its global brandportfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Haagen-Dazs, Old ElPaso and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. GeneralMills is also a leading supplier of baking and other food products tofoodservice and commercial baking industries.
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