MCCN’s food history editor Catrina Sally interviewed one of the fair’s many leading ladies: Ms. Cylia E. Lowe, Esq. Here’s what she shared:
MCCN (Catrina Sally): How and why did the AKA Healthy F.I.T.T. Fair come into existence?
Cylia: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc is a service organization with over 150,000 members worldwide with its first chapter established in Washington, DC at Howard University in 1908. Now 102 years later, we have chapters as far as Germany, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands. In addition to education, economic empowerment, and the technological enhancement of our communities, one of our primary service platforms is Mental & Physical Health. The 4 chapters involved have held their own health fairs in the past but wanted to do a collaboration to target a different audience: children. Most health fairs cater to adults and leave an entire segment of the population unserved. For our inaugural year, we decided to focus on middle school and early high school age students because those ages are where a lot of healthy or unhealthy habits are learned.
MCCN: Who are some of the local sponsors/participators involved in the project?
Cylia: Alison Riddle Fletcher, DDS, Maryland Pharmaceutical Society, Department of Health of Baltimore County: Nursing Division, Baltimore City Health Department, Nutritionist Ms. Sherisse Robinson, Gym Owner and Personal Trainer Charles “Chizel-It” Harris, Personal trainer Russell Pompey, The Kangaroo Kids, Maryland Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene, Care First, The Baltimore Ravens, The Washington Mystics, The SEED School in Baltimore, The Girl Scouts of Central Maryland.
MCCN: What type of activities will be made available to fair visitors?
Cylia: Various workshops on self-esteem, body image, and physical fitness will be held. Health experts including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists will also share information. The Baltimore City & Baltimore County Health Departments will inform visitors about the dangers of piercing & tattooing, H1N1 protection, exercise, and nutrition. There will also be free giveaways and exhibits.
MCCN: Physical fitness is the main focus of the fair. What type of fitness activities are on the agenda?
Cylia: There will be a flag football game coordinated by Russell Pompey, The Kangaroo Kids will demonstrate the fun fit activity of jumping rope, and Charles "Chizel It" Harris will lead groups in a high energy aerobic class.
MCCN: What dishes are on the menu for the nutritional section of the program?
Cylia: The demonstrations will consist of a fun "How To" class on making healthy after school snacks (like salsa and fruit kabobs) as alternatives to the high-fat, overly processed options kids tend to consume. The class will also go into an age appropriate discussion on reading a nutrition label, calories, good fats vs. bad fats, and the importance of fiber and protein. Visitors will also be able to sample low-fat chicken hot dogs provided by the Esskay Corporation.
MCCN: Here at the MCCN we are launching a campaign against childhood obesity. Any tips/words of advice for parents wanting to continue healthy trends for their children after the fair?
Cylia: The overall message to parents is that they should lead by example. Find healthy alternatives for the family and include your children. Find time for family activities like walking after dinner, riding your bikes together on the weekends, or signing up for a family dance class like Zumba or Salsa. By providing your children with the proper foundation, you can single handily reverse the dire prediction that the next generation will be the first in history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Small steps add up and do not be afraid to ask for help. Lastly, start fresh! TODAY!
MCCN: Any other information you would like to share with our readers?
Cylia: More information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. can be found at www.aka1908.com
Healthy F.I.T.T. Fair Logo Epsilonomega.org
For more information about the AKA Healthy F.I.T.T. Fair please visit: http://epsilonomega.org/.
