An event planned in central Iowa next month aims to reduce the disability, death and discrimination of people who are obese. The Walk From Obesity is a fundraiser that’s being held for the first time in Iowa, the fourth time nationwide. Janelle Heusinger is helping organize the September 30th walk in the Des Moines area.
Heusinger, a dietician at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, says “There’s over 63-million people in the U.S. (who are) obese and Iowa ranks 16. All the money raised from the walk goes to educating medical professionals as well as the public about the disease” and about effective treatment options. Sixty-one percent of Iowans are obese or overweight.
Heusinger says morbid obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, while nearly two-thirds of adults nationwide are overweight. Heusinger says obese people who don’t take responsibility for their health are setting themselves up for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and other diseases. She expects several hundred walkers to take part in the event and says they’re coming from all over Iowa and Nebraska.
The event is a two-mile non-competitive walk that will start at 9 A.M. in Waukee’s Centennial Park. She says everyone knows someone who is obese or overweight. She suggests some people walk for others who can’t because they’re obese, while wheelchairs will also be welcomed. Heusinger says The Walk From Obesity is a great way to help bring attention to the problem, while also getting people out to be active.
Related web sites:
Obesity walk info