FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        May 2, 2008

NY TIMES PERSONAL HEALTH COLUMNIST TO SPEAK ON MAY 15

Jane E. Brody is keynoter in forum on “It’s Your Health: Take Charge!”

Jane E. Brody, the personal health columnist for The New York Times and the author of 10 books, will deliver the keynote address at the annual spring health forum on May 15 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

            This year’s theme is “It’s Your Health: Take Charge!” and Brody will talk about  “How To Die Young -- As Late in Life As Possible.” The program will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

             The health forums are presented each year by the Health and Wellness Coalition of the Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) as part of  County Executive Andy Spano’s “Be Fit” initiative, an anti-obesity campaign to promote healthy eating habits and exercise.

            The program will also feature talks by physicians and other health-care professionals, who will discuss how to make informed health-care choices.  Local organizations will provide brochures and health and wellness literature.

            Dr. Cheryl. Archbald, deputy commissioner of the Division of Community Health in Westchester County’s Department of Health, and Dr. Janet Sullivan, chief medical officer of the Hudson Health Plan, will present “Taking Charge of Your Health Visit.” Part of their presentation will be a showing of “It’s My Health Care,” an educational video developed by Westchester County. 

             Alice Feintuch, a care consultant for the regional Alzheimer’s Association, will discuss “Take Charge! Maintain Your Brain.”

There will also be two speakers from the Jewish Home Lifecare/Sarah Neuman Center. Brigette Gallagher, senior vice president for community services, will present “Maintaining Wellness at Home,” and

            Antonette Mentor, the performance improvement manager, will speak about “Enjoy the Workout: Keep Fit.”

            In addition, Mentor will demonstrate the Nintendo Wii video program and the benefits it can provide toward improving seniors physical health. The Jewish Home Lifecard is using this program to improve balance, hand-eye coordination and dexterity through playing interactive video games such as bowling, baseball, tennis and boxing.

Carpenter said the annual spring health forum offers a special opportunity for seniors and others to learn from top experts about what they can do to stay as healthy as possible.

“I encourage everyone to attend this valuable program and to hear from Jane Brody,” Carpenter said. “Seniors can do so much to care for themselves and have a good quality of life through good nutrition  and exercise.   It’s an important message for seniors to hear and to follow.”       

            Ann Darcy, a registered dietitian and coordinator of DSPS’ Nutrition, Health and Wellness Unit, will introduce the speakers.

            Admission is free, but registration is required by May 7. For more information, call Antonella Caggiano at (914) 813-6380. 

            A continental breakfast will be served.

            Brody has written the widely read and quoted Personal Health column since 1976, and has received many prestigious awards for journalistic excellence. She earned the title of the “High Priestess of Health” from Time magazine.

            She has honorary doctorates from many universities, including Princeton. 

            Her 10 books include the best-sellers “Jane Brody’s Nutrition Book” and “Jane Brody’s Good Food Book.”  Her newest work – “Jane Brody’s Guide to the Great Beyond: A Practical Primer for Preparing for the End of Life,” is scheduled for publication this year or in early 2009.

            In addition to DSPS, sponsors of the event are Pinnacle Healthcare, the Classic Residence at Hyatt, the Jewish Home Lifecare/ Sarah Neuman Center, White Plains Hospital Center and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.                                         - 30 -