For Immediate Release
The African American Health Program
14015 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, Maryland  20904
Phone: (301) 421- 5445

Contact: Xerxeser Kayodé (301) 421 -5445 or (240) 777-1833

Innovative Project to Promote Physical Activity
Using Montgomery County’s Role in the Underground Railroad

Sandy Spring, Maryland – The June 14 Health Freedom Walk is an innovative project to promote increased physical activity and makes creative use of Maryland’s integral role in the Underground Railroad. Participants will walk a section similar to the historical route slaves traveled in their quest for freedom, and, in turn, will become motivated to achieve their own freedom from the bondage of poor health habits. Walkers will be given the name of an abolitionist, Quaker or slave and walk in honor of both those who walked for freedom and those who assisted in the struggle.

The goal of this event is to encourage our communities to free themselves from the bondage of a sedentary lifestyle and become more active. By doing this, individuals can begin on their journey to wellness and potentially live healthier lives by continuing to participate in some form of physical activity.

The 3 mile walk will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 with registration starting at 9:00 am and the walk starting at 10:00 am. The walk will begin and end at Rural Legacy Trail at the Woodlawn Manor Park in Sandy Spring located at 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring. All ages are welcome to walk the wooded trail. (Rain date: June 21)

Supporting Facts:

  • Obesity in Maryland causes health care cost to be 37% higher,
    Outpatient care 36% higher, and medication costs 77% higher.
    (R. Sturm.Rand Corporation, 2001).
  • Many Marylanders are not physically active on a regular basis. 4 of every 5 Maryland adults do not get regular physical activity.
  • Heart disease was the number one killer of Marylanders in 1999, accounting for almost 40% of all deaths.
  • Heart disease was the number one killer of Montgomery County residents in 2004.
  • There are a number of diseases related to obesity and from being overweight such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and arthritis. These significantly affect various communities of Montgomery County.
  • An estimated 300,000 deaths a year are attributed to problems of
    being overweight and obese.

In celebration of National Black Health & Fitness Month, C.H.A.M.P. (Community Health Awareness & Monitoring Program), the AAHP (African American Health Program), the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Care First, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and the American Heart Association – Maryland Affiliate, are sponsors of this event for the citizens of Montgomery County.

To get more information, and/ to register for the walk, call Xerxeser Kayodé at 301-421-5445
or visit www.HealthFreedomInc.com or www.onehealthylife.org.