Native Journalist meets the US Surgeon General at Families USA Health Action 2010 Conference

Amy Stretten, Dr. Regina Benjamin, and Reza Clifton at Health Action 2010 in Washington, DC

I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Reza Clifton (Blogger, New Media Producer, Radio Program Host, and DJ) who was at Health Watch 2010 representing UrbanHealthWatch.net. We were both very excited to meet US Surgeon General, VADM Regina M. Benjamin who gave a very uplifting and inspirational closing speech. Here’s a video of her speaking about obesity. She, along with Michelle Obama and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (who also spoke at Health Action 2010) announced plans on January 28th to “help Americans lead healthier lives through better nutrition, regular physical activity, and improving communities to support healthy choices.” (HHS) In her speech at Health Action 2010, Benjamin called for all Americans to focus on being physically fit at any size and not focus on being too thin. This is a much more realistic goal for many (especially younger women and girls) who tend to fall prey to the latest diet trends that, while they may cause a loss of weight, are anything but healthy.

“Americans will be more likely to change their behavior if they have a meaningful reward–something more than just reaching a certain weight or dress size. The real reward is invigorating, energizing, joyous health. It is a level of health that allows people to embrace each day and live their lives to the fullest without disease or disability.” – VADM Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., Surgeon General

-NativeJournalist