For release: January 18, 2012
For press information, contact Curt Guenther, 901-678-2843

As it anticipates the beginning of its second century as a place of higher education, the University of Memphis will promote healthy living through a healthy environment for its current and future students, employees, and visitors. “Memphis Healthy U,” which is designed to encourage people to eat healthier, move more, and become tobacco free, will kick off Tuesday, Jan. 24th, with a mass pledge-signing and a health fair in the University Center.

In addition to the pledge, Memphis Healthy U participants can practice their Zumba moves and visit almost a dozen health-related booths that will be set up in the UC. The booths will offer free health screenings and information of various types, recommendations from Tiger Dining for more healthful meals, and the giveaway of t-shirts and pedometers.

The ‘healthy’ event will begin at 11:30 a.m. when participants dance the Zumba to the tiger fight song; Tiger mascot Pouncer will lead the dancing. Following the dancing, U of M President Shirley Raines will briefly discuss the history and the importance of the initiative; then the booths will be opened to the public.

Sponsors of the event include the University’s Division of Student Affairs, Division of Business and Finance, the School of Public Health, the Loewenberg School of Nursing, the Department of Health and Sports Sciences, the Office of Human Resources, the Student Health Center, the Student Government Association, the University’s Student Recreation and Fitness Center, U of M Residence Life and Dining Services, the campus food service vendor Tiger Dining/Aramark, and the U of M Athletics Department.

More information is available from Dr. Marian Levy in the School of Public Health, phone 901-678-4514 or email mlevy@memphis.edu.