The city of Baltimore is known for mainly for it’s entertainment, from it’s visitor attraction, the Inner Harbor to the once popular HBO series, “The Wire”. But in this article, we’re going to flip the script! We’re going to talk about something vital, your health. This weekend is the “Let’s Get Serious” 2nd Annual Health, Wellness, & Fitness Expo 2012 sponsored by Chere Cofield International. Muzilog spoke with founder of the expo, Chere Cofield, “It’s a family event designed to get the entire family involved in healthier lifestyles; To encourage healthier eating, getting fit, and having a lot of prevention with our health because knowledge is answer, but prevention is the key.” Cofield passion’s for health and fitness has inspired her to work as a nurse for over 22 years. However, it was a personal tragedy that moved Cofield to start the expo. “Two years ago, my dad at the age of 59, passed away in his sleep. He had a heart attack. That was a phone call that I definitely did not expect to get. He was healthy all of his life and my childhood as much as I could remember. When we lost him at such a young age, I realized we have to pay closer attention to our health. We think we are doing all of the right things, but every year we can learn something new about how to take care of our bodies.”
With 40 vendors at the expo, attendees will receive free health information, food samples, including desserts for those who have a sweet tooth! Attendees will also be able to purchase body care and accessory items. The 2nd Annual expo will be held in the heart of Baltimore and include an awards ceremony for those who are doing great things in the Health and Wellness Industry. One of the honorees is Ernestine Shepherd,
who holds the record as the The Guinness World Record for the oldest female body builder at age of 75 years old. Attendees can participate in power work out sessions, Cardio Kickboxing and three separate Zumba sessions with a thirty minute Zumba finale at the end of the event. The expo wants everyone to be able to participate, Chair Body Pump, is available for those who have physical limitations. Cofield states, “For those who can’t get up and get around, like seniors or someone who may have had a surgery recently, who’s trying to get back into fitness, we have Chair Body Pump. They can sit in a chair and use weights to increase the strength in their upper body.”
The Susan G. Komen Foundation will be participating to share information about breast cancer prevention and monthly exams. The cost of the event is inexpensive at only $5 for admission but it offers many great free demonstrations such as acupuncture on ears to relieve stress provided by the Baltimore Community Acupuncture, free five minute chair massages, and free paraffin hand wax. Attendees are also able to have free blood pressure monitoring and free private HIV/AIDS testing.
Childhood obesity has been a hot topic on the news. The First Lady, Michelle Obama has made an initiative to prevent childhood obesity and help America’s children be healthier. Since this is a family friendly expo, it would not be complete without offering something just for the children. “We have a kids obstacle course created specifically for the children by one of our fitness instructors. We also will have a Playstation table were the kids can get moving with dancing games. We have Michael Jackson and some others dancing games. It is so important with childhood obesity being on the rise, we are going to show the parents how they can keep their kids active even if their addicted to games.” The expo will also have stations where children can test their motor skills with building and coloring activities. At just $5 a ticket, your school age child can have a healthy t fun afternoon! Children age 5 and under are free.
So, if you are in Baltimore on April 21, 2012, be sure to stop by the “Let’s Get Serious” 2nd Annual Health, Wellness, & Fitness Expo 2012 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Inn at the Colonnade, Baltimore, 4 West University Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21218. Come dressed in your sweats and have a great time. You will leave with a wealth of knowledge and there is a Swag Bag for all adult attendees full of goodies to enjoy when you return home!
