 
July 25, 2008
Everyone Wins in This Political Race
Lawmakers from across the country trade in the campaign trail for the race track
NEW ORLEANS - More than 100 legislators, staff and members of the National Conference of State Legislatures will promote fitness and healthy living by participating in a 5K fun run along the mighty Mississippi River. The Walk for Wellness will take part at 6:30 a.m., Friday, July 25 and is part of the NCSL Legislative Summit in New Orleans July 22- 26, 2008.
"Health initiatives have been on the agendas of every legislature in this country," said William T. Pound, executive director of the National Conference of State Legislatures. "Lawmakers are committed to helping people lead a healthier lifestyle both inside and outside of the legislature."
This is the third annual NCSL Walk for Wellness. The event is dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating effects heart disease, diabetes and obesity have for our nation as a whole, while drawing special attention to the health disparities that exist in minority and underserved communities.
"The walk gives legislators another venue to exchange ideas about health related policy initatives," said Representative John McCoy of Washington.
Some 20 million people are affected by Type 2 diabetes. Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Risk factors for both of these can be reduced by increasing physical activity and eating healthy foods.
"As a nurse, I'm happy to see lawmakers take time for physical activity and raise awareness about important health issues," said Rep. Peggy Welch of Indiana. "I'm looking forward to participating in the Walk for Wellness for the third year in a row."
The Walk for Wellness will wind through Woldenberg Park. Participants will meet at 6:30 a.m. at the World Trade Center in downtown New Orleans, just steps away from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The Walk is a collaboration between:
- the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators
- the National Black Caucus of State Legislators
- the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators
- the National Asian Pacific Americans Caucus of State Legislators
- the Women’s Legislative Network of NCSL
- the Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee and
- the NCSL Standing Committee on Health
The Walk for Wellness will also make a donation to Steps to a Healthier New Orleans.
Come join us at the starting line on Friday, July 25 at 6:30 a.m.!
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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