• By Lynne Mitchell
• Posted Friday, February 22, 2013

Screening of HBO the Weight of the Nation Documentary Series on the Obesity Epidemic

In the United States, 68 percent of adults age 20 and older are overweight or obese, while 31.7% of the nation’s children and adolescents ages two to 19 are overweight or obese. Obesity contributes to five of the 10 leading causes of death in America, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, many cancers and stroke.

As part of its effort to help combat the obesity epidemic in our community, the Behealthy Coalition of the Forsyth County Department of Public Health, is hosting weekly screenings of the four-part HBO documentary series at a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street in Winston-Salem on consecutive Wednesdays from 12:30 pm to 2 pm (doors open at noon) during the month of March. There is NO CHARGE for the screening and the public is encouraged to attend. THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION examines the facts and myths of this urgent public health issue, showing how obesity affects the health of the nation and the health care system. The film features case studies and interviews with leading experts, individuals and families struggling with obesity. The series also highlights how individuals, worksites and communities are making positive changes. Local experts will be available for discussion and Q&A after each weekly screening.

SCREENING SCHEDULE (all films are at a/perture cinema, 12:30 pm – 2 pm, doors open at noon)

• Wednesday, March 6
• Film: Consequences
• Discussion/Q&A speakers:
• Dr. Carolyn Pedley, The Downtown Health Plaza of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
• Dr. Mara Vitolins, Professor, Wake Forest School of Medicine
• Cathy Reeder-McIntosh, Assistant Nurse Manager, Diabetes Center, Forsyth Medical Center

• Wednesday, March 13
• Film: Choices
• Discussion/Q&A speakers:
• Regina Gordon, Adult Weight Management Program Coordinator, Forsyth Medical Center
• Christie Hunter, Action Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

• Wednesday, March 20
• Film: Children in Crisis
• Discussion/Q&A speakers:
• Amanda Mendenhall, Resident District Manager, Chartwell’s School Dining Services, WSFCS
• Nancy Sutton, Health and Physical Education Program Specialist, WSFCS
• Dr. Joseph Skelton, Director, Brenner FIT, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

• Wednesday, March 27
• Film: Challenges
• Discussion/Q&A speakers:
• Matthew Burczyk, Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Winston-Salem Department of Transportation
• Mark Tucker, Director, Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Service

Advance reservations will be accepted by going to the Public Health Survey or by calling 703-3110. Walk-ins will be welcome on screening date as space is available. If you are unable to attend the community screenings, you can view the films at The Weight of the Nation

THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION is a presentation of HBO and the Institute of Medicine, in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, and in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.

The Behealthy Coalition is made up of representatives from nonprofits, hospitals, education, government and concerned citizens. The vision of the Behealthy Coaltition is to coordinate health promotion efforts across community-based organizations that work together to improve the health and wellness of Forsyth County residents.