Sisters Are Moving With Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better

The Alexandria Health Department in Virginia launched a Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better community program on March 15, 2003 with free health screenings, stretching, warm-up and cool-down exercises, and a walk around a local high school track. Nine walking groups have formed since the launch, and the women can participate in monthly group activities such as low impact aerobics, bowling, or skating. Renee Ricketts, Health Educator in charge of the program, said the response has been overwhelming and now the challenge will be to keep the women motivated to walk through the hot summer months.

"If your community has started a Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better program, we would like to hear about your success stories and learning experiences."

The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) developed a series of Sisters Together brochures, as well as a Program Guide that helps individuals and organizations plan and implement community health awareness programs. Sisters Together materials are designed to encourage Black women to maintain a healthy weight by becoming more physically active and eating healthier foods.

If your community has started a Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better program, we would like to hear about your success stories and learning experiences.

Please send summaries to:
Conya Gilmore, Outreach and Education Specialist
Sisters Together Community Ideas
c/o ESI
7735 Old Georgetown Rd., Suite 400
Bethesda, MD 20814

If you have or want to start a local program, ask for a free Sisters Together poster. You can also get up to 25 brochures in the Sisters Together series — Celebrate the Beauty of Youth, Energize Yourself and Your Family, and Fit and Fabulous as You Mature — at no cost. For more than 25 copies, please see the order form on this website (www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/winpubsorder.htm). s