Chicago HealthFest Promises a Dose of Healthy Fun for the Whole Family

The Pointer Sisters Headline Free Event Featuring Health Screenings and Advice from Health Professionals, Bring Community Together in Celebration of Health and Wellness

Illinois is the 23rd most obese state in the country, according to the 2006 report from Trust for America’s Health. In an effort to improve this statistic and raise awareness about healthy lifestyles and disease prevention, Abbott is hosting Chicago HealthFest in Grant Park on Saturday, June 23, from noon to 4 p.m.

“I encourage everyone to join us at Chicago HealthFest,” stated Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Terry Mason, M.D. “This event is an excellent opportunity for all Chicago-area residents, young and old, to re-commit to healthier lifestyles.”

Dr. Mason will provide opening remarks and Lou Manfredini will serve as guest emcee for the event. Host of WGN Radio’s “Mr. Fix It” call-in show, TODAY contributor and USA Weekend columnist, Manfredini is a picture of a healthy lifestyle – eating healthy foods and racing in triathlons in his spare time.

Some Chicago HealthFest highlights include:

* Entertainment by The Pointer Sisters, Angel Meléndez & the 911 Mambo Orchestra, the Lane Tech High School Jazz Band, and the Jesse White Tumblers.
* A KidZone, featuring a Butterfly House with 1,000 butterflies in a tented habitat, interactive story-telling, music from the Old Town School of Folk Music and games.
* Health professionals, including highly regarded health expert and advocate Dr. Donnica Moore, will give 10-15 minute talks on a variety of healthy lifestyle topics in the Health Forum tent.
* Free glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index screenings provided by Walgreens are just some of the activities planned. These tests are considered essential measures that can help people understand more about their personal health and wellness.
* Samples of nutrition products including Glucerna® snack bars and cereal for people living with diabetes, and NutriPals™ balanced nutrition snacks.
* Joined by dogs from PAWS, a licensed veterinarian will share tips for keeping your pets healthy.
* Maria Montez, R.N., M.S.H.P., certified diabetes educator, will provide diabetes and healthy lifestyle tips in both English and Spanish.
* Popular and long-time children’s entertainer Joel Frankel, joined by his band The Tall Trees, will provide a healthy dose of fun-filled musical merriment.
* Devin Hester, Chicago Bears All-Pro return specialist and wide receiver, will be on hand signing autographs from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
* Concessions will be available from Whole Foods Market.

The event occurs the same weekend both the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Medical Association (AMA) – two prominent physician organizations focused on improving public health – visit Chicago to conduct their annual meetings.

“With the scientific and medical communities in Chicago to discuss improving the health of Americans, Abbott is encouraging Chicagoans to get more involved in their personal health and wellness by giving them an opportunity to assess their risk and better understand the conditions that can have a serious impact on their lives,” said John Leonard, M.D., vice president, Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abbott. “Abbott hopes our community involvement will have a lasting impact that continually improves the health of Chicagoans and the people of Illinois in years to come.”