It would probably be pretty difficult to put the entire nation on a scale. At the very least, you’d have to stand uncomfortably close to your friends and coworkers. Instead, grab some personal space at the upcoming free screening of Weight of the Nation, held at Red River Theatres and hosted by the Capital Area Wellness Coalition on Oct. 24 at 4 p.m.
The presentation will feature the “Challenges” segment of the HBO series and will be followed by a panel discussion about “how we can re-envision our community to improve access to healthy food and enhance walking and biking.”
“The problems of obesity are very complex, and no one strategy will solve the problem,” said Marilyn Sullivan, marketing work group leader of the Capital Area Wellness Coalition. “I think the message from the ‘Challenges’ segment of c is that there is another strategy in the toolbox we can all get behind that involves what actions we can take collectively to support health and well-being for everyone in any environment or community, be it working toward new and different ways to access healthier food choices, work site stairwell campaigns, safe recreational activities or liveable and walkable streets. Hopefully, the film will inspire some ideas and involvement.”
The panel will include Deb Cuddahy, executive director at the Penacook Center; Carlos Baia, deputy city manager for development in Concord; and Dr. P. Travis Harker with the Concord Hospital Family Health Center. The discussion will focus on ways to improve the overall healthiness of the community, including access to healthy food and increasing those who are walking and biking.
If Sullivan’s experience in discussing the upcoming screening is any indication, it should be a lively and productive panel session.
“What was rather exciting was to see the positive reaction people had when I talked to them about sharing the program information with their communities,” Sullivan said. “The topic really sparks a conversation and the idea of exploring ideas that groups can get behind is appealing. It is sadly ironic that if the trajectory of obesity continues, today’s youth may have a shorter lifespan in our advanced modern era than past generations. It’s an issue that also impacts the entire family, and how we will navigate every situations in the future. So I found most everyone appreciated an opportunity to view the film and discuss possible actions.”
The issue is a very real one, with 33 percent of New Hampshire’s third-graders classified as either overweight or obese, according to a CAWC release. Additionally, 62 percent of New Hampshire’s adults are categorized the same way. The first step toward solving that problem is raising awareness, and the CAWC is hoping that step is taken through the screening.
“If this event can help businesses create workplace environments that promote healthier employees, that would be a very positive outcome,” Sullivan said. “For businesses that have wellness coordinators and wellness teams in place or are thinking about doing that, the examples discussed in the film would be beneficial.”
Tickets are free and can be reserved at the Red River Theatres website at redrivertheatres.org. Light, healthy refreshments will be served as well.
