Media contact:  Martin Wortman, USF College of Public Health, (813) 974-1120 or mwortman@hsc.usf.edu

Living Stronger, Longer!

USF College of Public Health sponsors community lecture,

health fair for National Public Health Week

Tampa, FL (March 24, 2005) -- The University of South Florida College of Public Health is celebrating National Public Health Week, April 4 to 10, with two free community events.

Dr. Darwin Labarthe, who specializes in the prevention of heart disease and stroke, will speak 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, at the USF College of Public Health Auditorium, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.  Eighty information tables, screenings and demonstrations will be featured at a comprehensive health fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 9, at center court in University Mall, 2200 East Fowler Ave.

The April 5 lecture will feature Dr. Labarthe, associate director for cardiovascular health policy and research in the Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He will speak on "Living Stronger, Longer: A Public Health Strategy for Preventing Cardiovascular Disease and other Chronic Conditions."

The college-sponsored health fair on April 9 will include health demonstrations such as Tai Chi, fire safety, a look inside a Hazmat Suit, and yoga. Also scheduled for 1 p.m. is a special performance of Rhythm Kidz, an exercise dance program with the philosophy …get funky, have fun, and be a healthy young person.

National Public Health Week 2005 focuses on empowering Americans to "Live Stronger, Longer!" This year's theme emphasizes maintaining and improving quality of life, not just extending it. 

For more information on National Public Health Week events, please contact Martin Wortman at (813) 974-1120, or visit http://publichealth.usf.edu/phw2005/.

For tips on living stronger, longer, visit the National Public Health Week website at www.nphw.org.

- USF -

The University of South Florida College of Public Health at the USF Health Sciences Center is the only accredited college of public health in Florida and one of only 34 accredited public health programs nationwide. A leader in health promotion, the College prepares tomorrow's public health professionals to be vital stewards of the public's health and safety. With $25 million in grants and contracts in 2003-04, the College is home to five federally-funded Centers of Excellence. Its results-oriented, population-based research helps to promote health and prevent disease across the life span in Florida and the global community by targeting a spectrum of groups to influence behavior toward healthy choices.