The "Obesity Paradox" Launches National Public Health Week at UAlbany

Discussion to Explore the Rising Prevalence of Obesity, Food Insecurity

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 26, 2012) – As the obesity epidemic takes center stage as a major national health issue, a dangerous paradox still exists. Research shows among the nation’s poor an increased prevalence between obesity and food insecurity — the availability of food and one's access to it. To examine this issue and kick off National Public Health Week, UAlbany’s School of Public Health will host Dr. Christine Olson, a national nutrition expert, on Friday, March 30 at 12:15 p.m.

The University at Albany kicks off National Public Health Week with keynote address on the "Obesity Paradox."

A panel discussion exploring state and local strategies on obesity will follow including Sarah Johnson, assistant to NYS Council on Food Policy & Farm to School Program; Janine Jurkowski, Ph.D., an associate professor at the UAlbany School of Public Health; and Amy Klein, executive director of Community Gardens of the Capital District.

Olson, a professor of nutritional sciences, is the director of graduate studies in nutrition at Cornell University. The author of a number of peer-reviewed journal articles, Olson’s research focuses largely on the nutritional concerns of women, infants, and children and developing effective interventions to address these concerns. She received the 2002 Award for Excellence in Dietary Guidance, Food and Nutrition Section from the American Public Health Association.

The event will be held at the School of Public Health Auditorium One, on the University at Albany East Campus, Rensselaer.

Other National Public Health Week events at UAlbany include:

• Health Eating – Amy Ellis of Honest Weight Food Coop will give a lunchtime talk April 2 at noon in Room 110A at UAlbany’s School of Public Health.
• Suicide Prevention – Dan Eagan of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will speak at noon, Tuesday April 3 in Room 110A at UAlbany's School of Public Health.
• “Join the Movement” walk (weather permitting) – Hosted on the UAlbany East Campus (starting in room 110A at the UAlbany School of Public Health) Wednesday, April 4 at noon.
The events are free and open to the public. To reserve a place, contact: [email protected] by Wednesday, March 28.

About National Public Health Week (April 2-8, 2012)
Since 1995, when the first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week (NPHW), communities across the United States have observed NPHW as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving the public’s health.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) serves as the organizer of NPHW and develops a national campaign to educate the public, policymakers and practitioners about issues related to that year’s theme. APHA creates comprehensive planning, organizing and outreach materials that can be used during and after the week to raise awareness.

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