Studies show...

• 77 percent of African American women are overweight or obese
• African American women are at "high-risk" of stroke, diabetes, coronary heart disease, end-stage renal disease, aches and joint pain due to shifting of the body frame in carrying too much weigh, and psychosocial effects and stigmas
• That African American women cited complications of hair care as the reason they do not exercise or exercise less than they would like.
• Among female youth, the highest overweight and obesity prevalence is found in black (non-Hispanic) girls (ages 6 to 11), 37.6 percent and 22.2 percent respectively, and black (non-Hispanic) adolescent females (ages 12 to 19), 45.5 percent and 26.6 percent respectively.
• Childhood obesity is thought to lead to the development of low self-esteem and other psychosocial problems
• Minority children are at greater risk for obesity suggesting that they might also be at greater risk for developing low self-esteem.

The following table provides some examples of these steps.

Hook-Up Sisters, let's begin now to increase physical activity in our families as well as make healthier food choices for them.

How to Get Your Family Moving

• Power Walk the Mall while shopping in the Mall
• After dinner, instead of watching TV, take your family on a walk around the neighborhood
• Rather than send your kids to the park, take them to the park
• Skip the escalator or elevator and take the stairs
• Make healthier food choices and save money
• Gradually begin to reduce the volume of food your family eats
• Introduce your family to roller skating and family bike rides
• Walk just about every where rather than driving - you'll save money on gas and burn calories
• Start a neighborhood walking group for girls in the neighborhood and watch them open up and you become their mentor
• Take your kids to play tennis even if you don't know how to play. You may have a tennis pro right in your own family.
challenge in our urban communities and as our family caretakers, we are passing this unhealthy lifestyle on to our children.What factors would motivate you to exercise more? Talk it out. Give us your feedback.

PowerNote Results of a new survey on exercise routines of African American Women found two key factors that increased their motivation to take a brisk walk, ride a bike or get involved in other leisure time physical activity. the survey found that women who were self confident in their ability to succeed at weight loss and those who were part of a "buddy system" exercised more frequently and lost weight. The "buddy system" works. Start a "Power Walk Group" in your neighborhood. Set healthy examples for young girls and women in your community to stay healthy and fit.