Today is World Health Day!

Celebrated every April 7th, World Health Day is used to celebrate the World Health Organization’s founding as well as to bring recognition to a health issue of global importance. This year’s theme, antimicrobial resistance, is aimed at preventing the growth of drug resistant bacteria. While each year’s theme calls attention to a specific issue, World Health Day also acts as a time for individuals to evaluate their own health. To help celebrate this day we would like to highlight what our speakers on health and wellness have been doing to create a healthier world.

A medical and diet expert from VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, Dr. Ian Smith is teaming up with Coca-Cola in an attempt to combat obesity and promote a healthier life style. Created by Dr. Smith, the project, The Makeover Mile, brings a one-mile walk and health fair to seven cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Dr. Smith’s goal is to increase education and awareness of this increasing issue saying, "Obesity and its related medical consequences are complicated issues. There is no single solution or problem solver, rather it's going to require various and numerous soldiers to win this difficult fight." In addition to appearance from the doctor, the program will feature free health screenings, fitness demonstrations, and a healthy cooking demonstration.

16th US Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher is calling for more funding to AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) in Georgia. Due to the economic crisis, ADAP programs have recently had their funding cut across the US. Since many HIV-positive patients are not able to afford their medication, there will be an increased amount of HIV-related deaths. It can cost up to $100,000 per hospitalized patient but only $12,000 for the life-saving medication. As Dr. Satcher points out, the funding is a win for everyone, saying, “we can save lives and save money."

Best-selling author and breast cancer survivor Kelly Corrigan recently gave back to her local hospital by planning the second annual Notes and Words Fundraiser. The event features local artists and benefits Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, CA. Corrigan was drawn to lend a helping hand because of the care her daughter received for meningitis six years ago. Corrigan’s main goal for the event is to highlight wonderful care the hospital gives, saying, “I’m hoping we can give Children’s Hospital the love and attention it deserves.”

Gail Sheehy has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2011 Alzheimer’s Educational Conference in West Palm Beach, FL. Sheehy is a best-selling author of 15 books on health and aging. Her most recent book, Passages in Caregiving: Turing Chaos Into Confidence, highlights her experiences caring for her husband for 17 years. The conference will feature experts in Alzheimer’s and related disorders. An advocate of embracing the aging process, Sheehy is sure to be a highlight of the conference.

Take this day to not only reflect on your health but that of those around you! Inspire others to lead a healthier life style by heading over to APB’s health and wellness speakers page for creative programming ideas for your next health and wellness event.