This grassroots initiative stages a free one-mile walk and health fair in communities across the United States that are most adversely affected by weight-related illnesses and lack of access to health care. Following each walk, Dr. Ian and The Makeover Mile team will conduct a health fair that provides 5 free health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, vision and bone density), as well as fitness and healthy cooking demonstrations. Everything is free to the community. There is a DJ on premise to keep the attendees energized. Many free raffles are held throughout the day where various prizes are distributed including a treadmill, stationary bike, gas cards, books, and more.
This is a family event as there are activities also provided for children including face painting, moon bounce, balloon sculpting, and physical activity contests that include hula hoops and jumping rope. Children are encouraged to be more physically active in the spirit of First Lady Obama's Let's Move campaign of which Dr. Ian is one of its ambassadors on the President's Council.
As the creator of the 50 Million Pound Challenge, an online weight loss community with over 1.6 million members, and a recently-appointed member of President Obama's President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, Dr. Ian Smith has witnessed first-hand the health struggles plaguing Americans in underserved communities.
Dr. Ian remarked, "The first step in altering one's behavior is awareness, which is exactly what most people suffering from weight-related diseases lack. We can't expect to reverse the rapidly declining health of the population without first giving Americans the necessary tools to do so for themselves. The Makeover Mile will empower people to take control of their health by demonstrating how incorporating simple changes into their daily routine can greatly improve their quality of life".
The Makeover Mile has visited Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Chicago is this year's final stop.
Chicago event information
June 4
Start: UIC campus at 901 West Roosevelt Road.
Onsite registration starts at 10:30 AM.
Walk begins at 11 AM.
The health party begins at 12 noon.
Pre-register and for more information go to www.makeovermile.com
