50 Million Pound Challenge largest African-American health initiative in history!
(BLACK PR WIRE) ( May 11, 2007) This Easter weekend will be host to the national tour kick-off for “The 50 Million Pound Challenge,” sponsored by State Farm and said to be the largest African-American health initiative in history! Dr. Ian K. Smith, medical/diet expert for VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club will be hosting this momentous event to take place on Washington’s National Mall this Saturday, April 7th. “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” is, “an historic opportunity for African-Americans to come together against a growing health crisis,” according to Dr. Smith.
The number one health crisis in the United States is obesity. Not just for African-Americans but for all Americans. The demographics are frightening. According to statistics, almost 80% of African-American women and 67% of African-American men are overweight. With such serious complications as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease developing as a result of obesity and lack of exercise, “The 50 Million Pound Challenge,” is a public event intended to get African-Americans motivated and proactive in terms of their own health.
Celebrity guests will be present at the event including: music artists Mary J. Blige, Patti Labelle, Omarion and Yolanda Adams. Professional athlete Michael Strahan, comic Steve Harvey and DJ Biz Markie will be present as well. Many of these celebrities will be taking part in the challenge, altering their eating habits and exercising in an attempt to become healthier people and successful role models to the rest of the nation.
Dr. Ian K. Smith is the author of several successful diet plan books including but limited to The Fat Smash Diet and The Take-Control Diet. Currently a medical contributor to the nationally syndicated television show, The View Dr. Smith is a medical columnist for Men’s Health magazine and has written for various publications including Time, Newsweek and the New York Daily News.
