Both projects are
unique ways and efforts to eradicate childhood obesity in the Metropolitan
Detroit area. Obese young people have an
80-percent chance of becoming obese adults and are more likely than children of
normal weight to become overweight or obese adults. As a result, they are more
at risk for associated adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2
diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis. The
financial implications add up to a sobering $14 billion per year in direct
health care costs alone.
Americans spend approximately nine percent of
their total medical costs on obesity related illnesses. Additionally, there are
psychosocial consequences that can hinder academic and social functioning and
persist into adulthood. These severe
consequences underscore the critical importance of children and teens to
participate in physical activity and to engage in healthy eating habits.
Childhood obesity is entirely preventable. It’s up to adults to encourage these
healthy habits. (Statistics provided by
the Lakeshore Foundation.)
“The A Rose is A Rose
Debutant Ball was created for promoting a healthy lifestyle and enhancing the
self-esteem of Curvy Girls (overweight) ages 10 to 21 in Michigan” says Sharon
Dumas, founder of Full & Fabulous International, who has spent the past 33
years promoting health, beauty & self-esteem in plus size women and girls.
The girls go through eight weeks of classes; healthy cooking, exercise, dance,
modeling and self-esteem. They participate in fun exercise activities such as
skating, bowling jump rope and hula hoop. This year’s Keynote Speaker is the
2012 participant – Serenity Williams, who has lost 85 pounds since starting the
program and is a cancer survivor at the age of 15.
The ultimate support
for these amazing young women and the 501 ©3 non-profit organization is to
attend the Annual “Walk Against Childhood Obesity”, Saturday, August 2nd Palmer
Park the walk is free for youth up to age 18 and $5 for adults and includes
t-shirts and refreshments. and “The A Rose is A Rose Debutante Ball”- at the
Quality Inn Suites & Conference Center located at 30375 Plymouth road
Livonia, MI. Tickets are $20 and
includes dinner and the after party
*Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com or by calling
313.331.4929.
This event is funded by
The Institute for Population Health Behavioral Health Division, the Empowerment
Zone Coalition, Urban Solutions Training, Development, Michigan State
Extension, the Samaritan Center, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.
For additional information/Media Interviews -
Contact: Sharon DuMas
Phone: (313) 331-4929 *
Email: fullnfabulous@gmail.com
