Sondra E. Z. Hines, AILT, is an adjunct professor of health & wellness and is certified to teach group fitness exercise and Zumba. Wednesday Wellness - Fitness News You Can Use is published weekly. Email: sondraezhines@yahoo.com.

Last week, Qcitymetro asked four health advocates – including me – to share their visions for closing the health-related gaps that exist in the black community. Being a fitness instructor, I naturally said that one of my wishes was to see more black people exercising, a proven remedy for addressing obesity and other health hiccups.

Well, here is how one organization is answering my wish in one local community:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, in partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, is holding a Community Fitness Challenge between the Lincoln Heights and University Park communities.

“The Community Fitness Challenge is a 10-week event to get our communities healthy,” says Melinda Butler, who co-chairs Fit Delta, the sorority’s committee that is overseeing this endeavor. “The theme is ‘Communities United in Mind, Body and Spirit.’ ”

Here’s how it works: Each week, participants will weigh in, receive healthy lifestyle tips, recipes and participate in a fitness class (aerobics, dance, Zumba, and Zumba Gold (for those age 50-plus). All of the sessions will be held at the West Charlotte Recreation Center (2401 Kendall Drive). It is not necessary to be a resident of the two communities; the fitness sessions are open to the public.

The fitness challenge began Feb. 20 and ends April 27, culminating with a finale on April 28 -- the sorority’s annual Community Day, a wellness expo filled with activities for the entire family. In addition to traditional health screenings, the day will feature door prizes, refreshments, entertainment, fitness classes and information on nutrition and a children’s zone (physical activities, arts & crafts, etc.). The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.
Winners of the fitness challenge will be announced at the Community Day event and awarded prizes, says Butler. “However, in the end, everyone will win with a healthier lifestyle, and a healthier sense of community oneness,” she says.

For more information or to participate, email program@charlottedst.org.

Health Headlines

To Crouch Or Not To Crouch -- Ladies know that using public bathrooms is unpleasant. To avoid picking up nasty germs lurking around toilets, we are reduced to strategically crouching. New research suggests that, health-wise, we may fare better sitting and using toilet covers. “Toilet seat covers are a good investment if they make you feel more comfortable and keep you from crouching,” reports an article in The People’s Pharmacy. “Research has shown that women who hover over toilets instead of sitting down are less likely to empty their bladders completely and may be more vulnerable to urinary infections or incontinence. The article goes on to say that, “although toilet seat covers do provide a barrier against germs, there is no research showing people catch diseases from toilet seats anyway.” Despite the research, there is NO way I’m sitting on a public toilet!

Kids Choosing Their Sex? -- Following in the footsteps of adults, a growing numbers of children – with their parents’ permission -- are taking steps toward gender modification. “Offering sex-changing treatment to kids younger than 18 raises ethical concerns, and their parents' motives need to be closely examined,” said Dr. Margaret Moon, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' bioethics committee. Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/20/3029031/sex-changing-treatment-for-kids.html#storylink=misearch

Man Suffers Heart Attack at The Heart Attack Grill - The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas seemed to live up to its name after a customer suffered an apparent heart attack on Saturday, Feb. 12. Amateur video shows paramedics wheeling a man out of the restaurant, reportedly after he had eaten a Triple Bypass burger. The man, says the Associated Press, began shaking and sweating, symptoms of a heart attack. Authorities did not release the man’s name or medical condition, the AP reported. And the grill, which uses the mantra, “Taste Worth Dying For,” is still open for business. 

THIS WEEK’S FIT TIP: Looking to get white teeth, without spending a fortune? Try adding more fruits and vegetables. “Getting more greens in your diet -- along with other veggies and fruit -- could help thwart staining,” write Michael Roizen, MD, and Mehmet Oz, MD, in their new book, “YOU: Being Beautiful.” According to the doctors, carrots, celery, apples and green vegetables -- broccoli, lettuce and spinach -- provide a layer over teeth to prevent food stains. Other stain culprits are coffee, tea, sodas and blueberries. The doctors suggest swishing with water after eating these foods.

Until, next time, I wish you good health and wellness!
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Editor's Note: For more health/fitness-related tales, tips, testimonials and more, visit Qcitymetro's Health page: www.qcitymetro.com/health

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