Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 14 The Center for Disease Control reports that obesity has increased significantly in the last two decades in the United States. Obesity in the African-American community has been reported as epidemic. Hardest hit by obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure are African-American women, who have the high- est rate of being overweight or obese compared to other groups in the United States. It is reported that four out of five African-American women are obese. Alarmed by the statistics in the African- American community, the National Black Nurses Association launched a National Obesity Initiative in 2008, during its 20th annu- al National Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill. The Initiative called on all chapters to lead by example. "Obesity is a preventable disease," states NBNA President Dr. Debra A. Toney. "We need to make sure that all of us have healthier lifestyle habits. We are going to start with our membership and in the communities where we live and work." The goal was to collectively lose 360 pounds or more by the 36th Annual Convention taking place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto, August 2-6, 2009. In addition, each chapter held continuing educa- tion courses on obesity and chronic diseases, reflecting the theme of the Conference, Nursing Practice: The Prevention and Management of Chronic Diseases. Each chapter also hosted a community based physical activity program, test- ing a variety of exercise programs including line dancing, neighborhood walks, yoga, water aerobics, Pilates and tai chi. The results of the overall Initiative and the plight of obesity in the African-American community will be just one of the many topics on the agenda. Learn more at www.nbna.org. Image Makers – The Photo Marketing Association International will host their Imaging Technology Show in Sydney, Australia at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, June 25-28, 2009. The Convention is said to be The Southern Hemisphere's largest photographic imaging exhi- bition, attended by photo dealers, photographers, graphic designers, sign makers, government officials, marketing executives and enthusiast photographers. For more infor- mation, visit www.pmaaustralia.com. Timesharing – The America Resort Development Association are hosting their Convention and Expo at the Orlando World Center Marriott, March 29-April 2, 2009. The ARDA is comprised of timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management com- panies, industry vendors, suppliers and consult- ants, as well as owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). The conference consists of educational seminars, workshops, sales and marketing forums, and personal enrichment sessions. Visit www.arda.org for more information. Tell Your Story – There is a saying that everyone has at least one book inside of them. If that is true, thousands of attendees will be trying to get a jumpstart on getting that book of out them at the Book Expo America (BEA), May 28-31st at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. Last year more than 37,000 hopeful scribes, rep- resenting more than 80 countries, attended the conference and even more are expected this year. Scheduled to return by popular demand is the African-American Pavilion. BEA describes the Pavilion as a showcase of books and maga- zines by Black publishers or Black interest titles including fiction, non-fiction, children's, self-help and magazines. In additional, the 2009 expo will feature autographing sessions with 500 authors, free educational seminars, workshops, and books available at significant discounts to name a few. For more information on telling your story, visit www.bookex- poamerica.com. Email me your upcoming events at pblair_assnnews@- yahoo.com. NBNA TO DISCUSS OBESITY INITIATIVE AT 36TH ANNUAL CONVENTION BY PENELOPE BLAIR