FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FREE GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN EAST FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN PROVIDED BY HAITIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY COALITION, INC. (HCC) AND EMBLEMHEALTH FITNESS FOR FLATBUSH LAUNCHES WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 Brooklyn, New York – May, 2013 – Rising obesity rates among East Flatbush, Brooklyn residents and the health challenges that come with it, has spurred the development of a free group fitness program – ‘Fitness for Flatbush.’ In 2009, 24.5% of East Flatbush residents were identified as obese and 11.8 were identified as diabetic (Center for the Study of Brooklyn, 2012), a trend that has continued to worsen as rates of obesity reach alarming heights across Brooklyn and NYS. “Obesity is the second cause of preventable death in the United States after cigarette smoking,” said Dr. Andre K. Peck, Executive Director of HCC. “Our hope is to see people change their lifestyle from sedentary to a more active one, as well as to make better nutritional choices.” The free group fitness program, developed by HCC and sponsored by EmblemHealth, provides weekly results-driven Zumba, cardio kickboxing and health education sessions, helping participants to set and accomplish personal fitness goals. “We are committed to providing access to comprehensive and affordable health care and supporting community partners such as HCC in their efforts to provide preventative healthcare services,” said Eliza Ng, M.D., Senior Medical Director at EmblemHealth. HCC and EmblemHealth will co-host a launch event for Fitness for Flatbush at the Flatbush Reformed Church gym (890 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 6PM to 9PM. Participants can register for the free fitness program and meet-and-greet the fitness instructors. The first 30 people registering will receive a free exercise mat and carry bag, courtesy of EmblemHealth. Classes will be held at the Flatbush Reformed Church gym on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 7PM to 8PM, beginning Monday June 3, 2013. HCC is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization established in 1982, whose mission is to champion the well-being of its constituents through advocacy, empowerment, health education and supportive services. EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.4 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. EmblemHealth offers a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tri-state area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com. Contact: Fuljens Henry 123 Linden Blvd, 3rd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11226 P: 718.940.2200 x 115 ###
