Improving the health of West Michigan

Michigan is fifth in the nation for having the highest number of residents who are obese. Only half of Michigan’s children get physical exercise every day.  Michigan residents are greatly at risk for costly and life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, which are among the leading causes of death in the state.

This is why Priority Health is launching ShapeMichigan, an initiative uniting business leaders, health care providers, educators, students and families in an effort to improve the health of West Michigan.

“ShapeMichigan is an initiative focused on creating awareness and finding real-life solutions to our state’s obesity crisis,” said Paula Murphy, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications for Priority Health. “We hope to motivate and inspire positive lifestyle changes, at home, at work, and at school. ”  

Through ShapeMichigan, Priority Health is collaborating with Mercy Health and Spectrum Health, to present the area’s leading experts in a robust discussion around the obesity epidemic and its impact on our businesses, schools and community.  

ShapeMichigan is taking place on January 11, 2013 from 8am-Noon at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.  Business, church and community leaders, school administrators and legislators are invited to attend a morning session presented free of charge, featuring a special screening of the HBO documentary, The Weight of the Nation, followed by a panel discussion and breakout sessions focused on improving the health of our community. 

Guests will also receive free tickets to the Living Well - Grand Rapids, a Health & Fitness Show, taking place alongside this event over Friday and Saturday.  ShapeMichigan sponsors will have adjacent booth space within the larger event in a “village” format.  ShapeMichigan guests along with the general public will be able to meet health experts, sample products, and learn more about getting fit and eating a healthy diet in this information-packed expo.

For more information or to register for the ShapeMichigan event, visit  www.shapemichigan.com .