From Ted E. Bear Hospital for Kids to Moovin ‘N Groovin for Active Seniors, There Will Be Something for Everyone to Stay Healthy

White Plains, NY (March 25, 2010) - White Plains Hospital Center will present a variety of entertaining and informative events for people of all ages to drive home the importance of healthy lifestyle choices at its Third Annual Wellness Through Prevention Month celebration in May.

There will be something for everyone including a Ted E. Bear Hospital for children; Zumba® dancing for active adults over 55; yoga sessions and cooking demonstrations for women; healthy, tasty dishes for gourmet food lovers prepared by one of the region’s top chefs and more. As in prior Wellness Through Prevention Months, most of the events will be free of charge.

Jon B. Schandler, White Plains Hospital Center President and CEO said: “It’s a well known fact that the cost of treating chronic illnesses is staggering to the patients who suffer, their loved ones and the economy. But equally true is that prevention is the most effective way that people can remain healthy.”

He added: “Our goal is to raise awareness in fresh and creative ways about how nutrition, exercise, cessation of smoking and other preventive measures can lower the risks for chronic and life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer.

The kick-off ceremony at 11:30 am, Friday, April 30 at Renaissance Square Fountain, White Plains, will bring together White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley, Hospital officials and surprise guests to declare May 2010 as Wellness Month. In addition, students from Stepinac High School in White Plains will call attention to the importance of eating healthy food by being attired in fruit and vegetable costumes. If the weather is inclement, the ceremony will be held in White Plains City Hall. 

On Saturday, May 1 at Rye Playland, parents and their children will enjoy a day of fun at the annual Mayfair Festival from 10 am to 6 pm. Mayfair, which is a fundraiser to benefit both White Plains Hospital Center and Sound Shore Medical Center, is traditionally held one week before the official opening of Rye Playland. In addition to amusement park rides and Kiddyland, there will be a variety of health screenings and information including blood pressure testing, diabetes risk assessments, and information on bike safety and medication awareness. Vendors will also set up booths to provide unique shopping opportunities just in time for Mother’s Day.

Mayfair will also include the Ted E. Bear Hospital, the highly popular “stuffed animal program” that gives children of all ages an opportunity to have their favorite stuffed animal or doll evaluated and treated by WPHC nurses and other health professionals. Dr. Ted E. Bear, the Hospital’s costumed character, will make his appearance during the examinations designed to teach kids about healthcare in a fun, positive way, alleviating fears of a visit to the doctor or hospital. The Ted E. Bear Hospital and health screenings are free (rides and parking are additional).

On Wednesday, May 5, active adults over age 55 will be Moovin ‘N Groovin by participating in supervised energizing fitness sessions including yoga and Zumba® dancing at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, 785 Mamaroneck Avenue from 11:30 am to 2 pm. They will also learn how to prevent arthritis and injuries from Richard Weinstein, M.D. Director of Sports Medicine at the Hospital’s Westchester Orthopaedic Institute and physician at Bone and Joint Associates of White Plains. In addition, Patricia Coar, MPH, RD, CDN of Burke will talk about the benefits of organic food. The event is free and includes a complimentary healthy lunch.

Apogee Pilates and Wellness Center at 140 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains will be the venue for Girls Night Out, an evening of relaxation with mini-Pilates and Yoga sessions, chair massages, cooking demonstrations, unique appetizers and refreshments and information on living a healthy life. In addition, Nidhi Sahgal, M.D., a breast surgeon affiliated with the Hospital, will discuss “Breast Health in the 21st Century.” This free event will be held from 6 to 8 pm, Wednesday, May 12.

Food and health enthusiasts will have a chance to savor heart-healthy tasty morsels prepared especially for them by renowned chef Anthony Goncalves at The Ultimate Chef to be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Monday, May 17 at the acclaimed Restaurant 42 at 1 Renaissance Square, White Plains. Guests will sample his creations in one of Westchester’s most elegant dining venues with spellbinding views. Roger Cappucci, M.D., a cardiologist at Scarsdale Medical Group, and Vice President, WPHC Medical and Dental staff, will offer heart-healthy tips and discuss why the meal created by Chef Goncalves is good for cardiac and overall health. The fee is $35 which includes food samplings, wine and valet parking at the Ritz-Carlton.

As in prior Wellness Month celebrations, the Hospital will be offering free health screenings at a number of locations throughout the community. Some of the screenings will be provided by Spanish speaking healthcare professionals.Paul M. Weissman, Chairman of the WPHC Board of Directors, stated: “We think this year’s Wellness Month format of combining fun and informative presentations will be very effective in motivating people to make lifestyle choices that will keep them healthy and enable them to enjoy life to the fullest.”

J. Michael Divney, Vice Chair of the Hospital’s Board of Directors, who has been involved with the Hospital’s wellness program since it was launched three years ago, said: "I would like to thank the members of the Wellness Through Prevention Month Committee who represent a cross section of Hospital volunteers, supporters and staff for their very valuable input in putting this program together and the generous support of the City of White Plains which has served as an excellent partner with the Hospital in promoting this very important program for the community.”

For more details, including pre-registration that is required for most events, please visit www.wphospital.org or call (914) 681-1119.