ESU Students Meet Acting Surgeon General During Trip To Seminar In Philadelphia

Students of Dr. Adenike Bitto, associate professor of health at ESU, recently attended a seminar titled "Health Youth for a Healthy Future," at the Philadelphia College of Physicians and were able to meet U.S. Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D. M.P.H. This was the seventh stop on Dr. Galson's nationwide tour to promote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, which targets overweight and obesity prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles for children.

The "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" initiative focuses on recognizing and showcasing those communities throughout the nation that are addressing childhood overweight and obesity prevention by helping kids stay active, encouraging healthy eating habits, and promoting healthy choices. Dr. Galson, presented the keynote address titled, "The Crisis of Childhood Obesity: Is It Reversible?" and met with key community stakeholders including representatives from business, industry, and academia to discuss childhood obesity prevention and existing prevention programs.

Other participants in the seminar included: Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Donald F. Schwartz, M.D., M.P.H., health & opportunity and health commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Public Health; Calvin B. Johnson, M.D., M.P.H., secretary of health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Vanessa Briggs, M.B.A., Health Promotion Council; Dr. Mariana Chilton, Drexel School of Public Health; Dr. Arthur C. Evans, acting commissioner, Department of Human Services; and Tine Hansen-Turton, M.G.A., J.D., executive director, National Nursing Centers Consortium.

After the seminar and meeting with Dr. Galson, ESU students visited the Mutter Museum at the College of Physicians to examine collections and exhibits related to anatomical and pathological specimens, medical instruments, items of memorabilia of famous scientists and physicians, and medical illustrations.