Inaugural Event Will Benefit BrennerFIT Program
A new community event scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10, will raise awareness about childhood obesity, with proceeds benefiting the Brenner FIT (Families In Training) program at Brenner Children’s Hospital, part of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
The inaugural Brenner Walk and Bike Race will be the first community event in Winston-Salem that aims to engage families to get out and move, learn about healthy eating and help fight childhood obesity. It will be held at Old Salem Museum and Gardens, and is open to all ages. A 1.5-mile interactive walk begins at 9 a.m., with a professional bike race/criterium at 11 a.m. and fun activities for families in Salem Square.
According to the N.C. Center for Health Statistics, childhood obesity is a health concern in our region. In Forsyth County in 2009, significant percentages of children were overweight or obese: 32 percent of children ages 2 to 18, and 37 to 44 percent of students in the first, fourth, seventh and ninth grades.
Brenner FIT is one of the nation’s most comprehensive programs for combating childhood obesity. It uses a family-centered, evidence-based approach to weight management, and relies on the latest in research-proven methods to improve the weight and health of children and their families. It includes the whole family in the treatment process, and focuses on changing habits and behaviors, rather than only on diets and exercises.
The program is directed by Joseph Skelton, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, and includes a team of pediatricians, behavioral counselors, dietitians, physical therapists, social workers and exercise specialists.
More information on the event, including links to registration, is available at www.brennerchildrens.org or by contacting the Office of Development at (336) 716-7985.
Event sponsors are Wake Forest Baptist Health, First Community, Bell Davis and Pitt, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Winston-Salem Journal, WXII-TV, Wells Fargo, W.R. Vernon Produce Co., Tacoma Inc., Bank of America, Mercedes Benz of Winston-Salem, Mountain Park Spring Water and Hauser Rental Services.
Media Relations
Eric Whittington: ewhittin@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-5318