The D.C. Department of Health kicked off its wellness and anti-obesity campaign Thursday morning in Freedom Plaza as District residents gathered with city officials to promote healthy lifestyles.
Mayor Adrian Fenty opened the daylong event with federal Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt for an energetic crowd composed of citizens from around the city, eager to dance and enjoy the sounds of African drummers and flutists playing at the event.
Recommended Stories
“Our goal is to engage each resident in a collaborative effort to improve his or her own health, as well as that of the family, the neighborhood and ultimately the community,” Fenty said. “Today, I challenge each citizen, city agency and business to join us in the quest to improve the quality of life for all in the District.”
The three-year campaign aims to encourage citizens to make healthy choices in their daily lives, Department of Health Director Gregg Pane said.
“If you can eat well, you’re going to do a lot better,” he said. “The most important person to the success of this plan is you.”
Members of the Israel Baptist Church Child Development Center came to Freedom Plaza to enjoy the dancing and teach their kindergarteners the value of healthy choices.
“The dancing was great and I loved the steppers,” said Shanondra Fogoe, an instructor at the Israel Baptist Church Child Development Center. “The children really had a great time.”
