Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, pio at azstateparks.gov
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Surgeon General Richard Carmona Addresses Teen Fitness and Childhood Obesity at Public Workshop in Tucson

(August 23, 2007 -- Tucson, AZ) - There are still seats available for the Tuesday, August 28, Surgeon General Richard Carmona presentation about teen fitness and childhood obesity which will be at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort at 8:30 am. The fee is $49 for the four-hour workshop.

Arizona State Parks Director Ken Travous, member of the Governor's Growth Cabinet, will speak about how growth is affecting access to Arizona's open spaces and how innovative technology for modeling growth will help us ensure a continued quality of life through access to nature, historical and cultural resources in Arizona.

Another presenter, Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., President of the Children & Nature Network is well known for her work in training and education for emerging regional leaders in the children and nature movement. Her work with Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods," focuses on saving children from what he terms "Nature Deficit Disorder." There is a growing global community who want to help children reconnect with nature. These leaders believe nature is a key factor in children becoming expressive and sensitive thereby reducing problems with obesity, depression and other maladies associated with being indoors for most of their young lives.

"We are making this four-hour workshop available to the public now as part of our annual training for parks and recreation professionals because we believe it is a critical component for children's health in the future," said Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Vice President Jeff Spellman. "We think if you have a direct responsibility and influence in programs, projects and policies that support and promote physical activity and nutrition for children, this program will be a crucial part of your planning. Attendees will include public health agencies, education professionals, non-profit leaders, elected officials, and University researchers. The workshop will establish well-defined strategies to promote physical activity and nutrition awareness."

Other speakers will be Diana Freshwater, Executive Director of the Arizona Open Land Trust who currently serves as the Governor's appointee to the Agricultural Protection Commission, Jeff Williamson of the Phoenix Zoo and Tammy Pike with the United States Forest Service.

If you would like to attend call (602) 335-1962 to reserve your space.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

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