The Urban League, partnered with BlueCross Blue Shield, kicked off its new health and wellness initiative, “Sisters Together Move More Eat Better,” on Thursday to combat obesity among African American women.

This program, which will be a pilot program for the state, will last 12 weeks and is designed to help African American women develop and sustain a healthier lifestyle for themselves and their families. 

The BlueCross BlueShiled Foundation of Tennessee is the primary funder with additional matching funding being provided by Lyndhurst Foundation and UnumProvident.

Urban League Project Manager Julia Taylor said the program is targeting African American women ages 18 to 35 years old, but others are welcome as well.

Events will be scheduled three days a week beginning July 10 and lasting for 12 weeks. She said the program includes free cooking classes, nutrition classes, aerobics, exercises and much more. In addition, participants will also receive t-shirts, a water bottle, pedometer and other fitness items.

The program also includes a health assessment and BMI Test at the beginning and end of the program, she said.

Everything will be free for the first 75 women to register who will make up the core group. Additional women can participate but will be charged a membership fee that allows them to participate in the program and use the Urban League.

Urban League Vice President of Education and Health Sheryl Randolph said the 18-35 age group is targeted because “the older you get the harder it is to change lifestyle habits. We hope to change a lifestyle that is becoming common.” She said Tennessee is nationally ranked high for having a problem with obesity. “Tennessee has wonderful things to be recognized for; obesity should not be one of them.”

Andrea Perry, program director for WMPZ, was the keynote speaker at the kickoff. “We, as women, become so busy taking care of the family that we forget to take care of us.”
“Change begins in the mind,” she said, “and we are capable of making changes for the better.”

Ms. Perry challenged women to “see it, say it and do it.” First, “think about the person you want to become.” She told audience members to write down their goals. Next, “speak in your mind the goals you wrote down. Don’t confess the negative but start confirming the positive.” Lastly, she said, “This initiative is the step to putting your goals into action.” She encouraged women to change habits. “If you fall off, get up and get back on.”

June is the recruiting month for the initiative said Ms. Randolph.
The Urban League inititiave will also be working with Hamilton County’s inititative, Step ONE.

For more information or to register call 423-756-1762 or go to www.ulchatt.net.

Beverly Cosley presents check to Warren Logan
- Photo2 by Suzanne Walker