Recognizing that everyone has a role in restoring Texas to better health (individuals, families, institutions, organizations, communities, and policy makers), KwanzaaFest continue to increase its focus on health and well-being through HealthFest and the addition of interactive targeted lifestyle programs.

As an extension of Kwanzaa’s HealthFest, a traditional portal for providing free health services through hundreds of health professionals, the KwanzaaFest Beat Obesity 5K Walk/Run was launched in 2006 to promote the importance of physical activity in preventing and reducing obesity. The alarming rise in childhood obesity, and the lack of physical activity in our youth, prompted the KwanzaaFest organizers to further maximize its efforts by creating the “1 Mile Kid’s Run” in 2007.

As the number of overweight and obese individuals continues to rise, the KwanzaaFest organizers understand that a more comprehensive program is necessary to prevent and control obesity, thus the birth of the KwanzaaFest “Beat Obesity” Healthy Lifestyles Program.

The KwanzaaFest "Beat Obesity" Healthy Lifestyles Program will include the following components:

1. “Beat Obesity 5K Walk/Run” and “1 Mile Kid’s Run” in December 2010
2. “Families on the Move: An Active Approach to Living Healthier” outreach event in Summer 2011
3. District 3 Public Health Advisory Council Lecture Series to occur in Fall 2011

The 5th Annual Beat Obesity 5K Walk/Run and1 Mile Kid’s Run will take place on Saturday morning, December 11, 2010. This is a remarkable occasion to inspire and be inspired by hundreds of individuals who are walking and/or running to increase awareness about the health related problems associated with obesity.

The Beat Obesity 5K Walk/Run engages people of all ages to run competitively or walk 3.1 miles at their own pace through the historic grounds of Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. The event also features the “1 Mile Kid’s Run” (for kids under 12) and a team challenge component where individuals form teams and walk and/or run as a group. Awards and prizes are distributed to participants in all three categories.

During the walk/run events, fitness experts conduct a warm-up/aerobic workout session and provide valuable information on the importance of healthy lifestyle habits to reduce and prevent obesity. New in 2010, fitness testing will be available for individuals interested in knowing their body fat composition. And, all participants will be given a comprehensive plan of action for implementing and sustaining healthier lifestyle habits.

Coming Summer 2011 - Families on the Move: An Active Approach to Living Healthier As a follow-up to the walk/run events (and the comprehensive plan of action), the “Families on the Move: An Active Approach to Living Healthier” will serve as a mechanism to further engage and empower walk/run participants to live healthier.

Coming Fall 2010 - District 3 Public Health Advisory Council Lecture Series Series of lectures from varies health professionals throughout the North Texas area.

For the past 20 years, obesity has been on the rise. According to the National Center for Health Statistics in 2004, 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older-over 60 million people-are obese. This increase is not limited to adults. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens aged 6-19 years, 16 percent (over 9 million young people) are considered overweight. As a result, these increases placed our community at risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and a variety of other diseases and illnesses. We are at a crisis level. Let's rise above crisis level together.

Please join us by walking and/or running as an individual or team on Saturday, December 11, 2010 to beat obesity in our communities. These spectacular events will be filled with fun, entertainment, prizes, give-a-ways, and a post power breakfast.

Thank you in advance for your participation!