HU TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE, HEALTH FAIR FOR MINORITIES

Hampton, VA - In an effort to increase healthcare awareness, Hampton University will host its 2nd annual conference and health fair, "Healthy Choices for Minorities," as part of the Healthy Hamptonians 2010 initiative on Oct. 11-12.

The event is free and open to the public.

Screenings and assessments for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes (blood glucose), sickle cell and depression will be available.

"We want to encourage people to be a little more proactive in making the right choices to have a more quality life," said Effie Barry, a health education professor. "Longevity is one thing, but longevity with quality should be the ultimate goal."

A pre-seminar will be held on Oct. 4 at 2 p.m., where a panel of African-American religious leaders will discuss "Spirituality and Wellness." Dr. Calvin Sydnor, III, director of the HU Religious Studies program, will lead the panel discussion in DuBois Hall.

On Oct. 11, Mary L. Blunt, president of Sentara Life Care, will be the keynote speaker for the opening session, which begins at 7 p.m. in Armstrong Hall.

The health fair will be held Oct. 12 in Holland Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Conference attendees can obtain information about proper diet, fitness, tobacco abuse, disease and other healthcare concerns.

"If we take a look at all the health statistics, people of color are disproportionately represented with health issues," Barry said. "In some cases, they show us dying at twice the rate of others."

Barry said that many minorities fail to practice preventive healthcare and that many lack access to adequate healthcare facilities.

"We want to provide information so they can make better choices in life," Barry said.

The "Healthy Hamptonians 2010" initiative is in support of the national health agenda "Healthy People 2010-Wellness for Life." The goals at Hampton University include improving the quality of life through collaborative efforts that promote healthy behaviors and create a healthy environment. The initiative also stresses the importance of reducing health disparities through multidisciplinary efforts that empower individuals to make informed healthcare decisions and promoting access to high-quality and culturally-competent healthcare.

For additional information, please contact: Kia Dupree (757) 727 - 5255 or via email: kia.dupree@hamptonu.edu