Media Advisory: Surgeon general to discuss fit and healthy nation

ATTENTION: Health, government and general assignment reporters, broadcast media

WHAT

A visit to the University of California, Berkeley, by Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin, the 18th surgeon general of the United States.

Dr. Benjamin will present a public lecture, “A Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation,” cosponsored by the School of Public Health and the College of Natural Resources. She will highlight the alarming trend of overweight and obese Americans and discuss ways for Americans to lead healthier lives by committing to changes that promote the health and wellness of their families and communities, such as better nutrition and physical activity.

The lecture will be followed immediately by a press conference.

Later in the day, she will tour The Edible Schoolyard, a one-acre organic garden and kitchen classroom for public school students at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley. Reporters may take photos during her visit. The Edible Schoolyard is a program of the Chez Panisse Foundation.

WHEN

This Thursday, March 17
Lecture: 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Press conference: 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Edible Schoolyard visit: 2-2:45 p.m.

WHERE

Lecture: Toll Room, Alumni House, UC Berkeley
Press conference: Bechtel Room, Alumni House, UC Berkeley
Edible Schoolyard visit: Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose St, Berkeley

DETAILS

In January 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Surgeon General Benjamin announced plans to help Americans lead healthier lives through better nutrition, regular physical activity, and by encouraging communities to support healthy choices. The HHS release of “The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation” was a lead-up to the announcement two weeks later of the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” initiative that focuses on children.

Key actions outlined in “The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation” report include:

• Individual healthy choices and healthy home environments
• Creating healthy child care settings
• Creating healthy schools
• Creating healthy work sites
• Mobilizing the medical community
• Improving our communities

For more information: Fact sheet on the surgeon general’s report