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Lion dance to
kick off health
rally at CapitolMonday's rally will feature
Star-Bulletin staff
fitness demonstrations and
a free cooking classA lion dance demonstration by the Chinese Physical Culture Association will launch a public health rally from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday on the state Capitol grounds. The rally will feature more than 250 fitness enthusiasts.
The state Health Department is sponsoring the event to support its Healthy Hawaii Initiative -- a plan to lead the nation in use of Tobacco settlement funds for health promotion and tobacco prevention.
Materials will be developed to help people make healthy lifestyle choices.
"Obesity is a crisis in this state," said state Health Director Bruce Anderson.
"This is an opportunity for the state to show legislators and the public the types of programs that could be supported to address this problem."
A series of fitness demonstrations after the lion dance will include 200 line dancers from Palama Settlement, a jump rope demonstration by the American Heart Association, participation by the Kamehameha Schools bicycling team and Hawaii Bicycling League and a martial arts demonstration by the Tai Hsuan Foundation.
The public is invited to participate in two basic Tai Chi sessions, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
St. Andrew's Priory students will jog around the Capitol in a two-hour running display throughout the rally.
Appropriately garbed "HMSA Fruit Friends" and the University of Hawaii "Nutrition/Vegetable Friends" will educate passing drivers and pedestrians about the importance of healthy eating.
A free cooking class, "Creative Cooking and Easy Eats," will be held in Room 212 in the Capitol from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Free herbs and recipes will be offered and ideas on cooking, shopping and food selection.
An informational table and display will be available at the rally to provide information about exercise, healthy heating and risks associated with smoking.
For more information, call 586-4530.
