March 18, 2009

National conference focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles

The 2009 Priester National Extension Health Conference is co-sponsored by Purdue University and the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES). The conference's theme is "healthy transitions in a changing world. "

"Over the last several years, we've been able to identify some pressing health issues within our communities – obesity being one of the most prominent," said Karen Zotz, assistant director for Purdue Extension and assistant dean in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences. "This conference is a good place to come to find out what works in combating some of these public health issues. Presentations will include proven research and practical applications for helping to solve some of these problems."

Researchers and Extension professionals from universities across the country will present workshop sessions. Purdue presenters and their topics include:

* "Eat your way to better health: an integrated extension program to teach youth healthy eating," Kathryn Orvis, Junior Master Gardener coordinator.

* "Small steps to health," Angie Abbott, Purdue Extension foods and nutrition specialist.

* "Healthy body image: A program for middle and high school students," Steve McKenzie, director of the Ismail fitness center.

* "How communities can benefit through Extension participation," Donna Vandergraff, Purdue Extension foods and nutrition specialist.

* "Extension Mold Team," Genise Huey, educator, Purdue Extension in Posey County.

In addition to workshop speakers, William Dietz, director of clinical nutrition at the Centers for Disease Control, will present the keynote address, "What can we do to improve nutrition and physical activity?"

"Dr. Dietz is a very dynamic speaker who really challenges listeners to think about what they're doing and how those actions can impact their communities," Zotz said. "He is very knowledgeable and well known, and has extensive experience with dietary guidelines, and thus, we are very excited about his presentation."

Other general session presentations and speakers include:

* "What keeps the health commissioner up at night?" Judith Monroe, Indiana State health commissioner

* "Policies for promotion of physical activity in youth," Russell Pate, vice provost for health and sciences at the University of South Carolina

* "Health law and policy," Larry Palmer, director of the Health Policy and Law Initiative at Virginia Commonwealth University and the College of William and Mary

The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency, 1 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. Pre-conference workshops and tours begin at 8 a.m. on April 6 and general sessions convene at 1 p.m. 

The registration deadline is March 27, and is $330 per registrant or $180 for students. Pre-conference workshops and tours are $100 each. For more information, a conference schedule and to register, visit www.conf.purdue.edu/priester. Continuing education credits are available for those interested.

The Priester National Health Conference is named after Jeanne Priester, retired Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Services national program leader. During her tenure, Priester made significant contributions in advancing health education.

Writer: Jennifer Stewart, (765) 494-6682, jsstewar@purdue.edu

Source: Karen Zotz, (765) 494-8252, kzotz@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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