Last night I met wonderful women participating in the Take the Challenge health and wellness program in Prince George's county. These women meet weekly to exercise, talk, eat and support each other in maintaining and regaining health and wellness.There were women recovering from breast cancer and living with diabetes. There were also women who simply want to learn how to live healthy. This wonderful program is sponsored by the Prince George's County Executive Program, the Prince George's County Healthy Department as well as  Prince George's Community College.

 Coretta Jones ,director of the Community Heart and Stroke Initiatives for  the American Heart Association, delivered an empowering presentation on stroke awareness, stroke prevention and becoming your own health advocate. The American Heart Association has developed an innovative program , The Power to End Stroke, which invites African-Americans to learn about  their family health tree as well as providing information on maintaining heart health and  recipes for healthy eating-"I Have the Power".

Ms. Gina Boyd of the  National Bone Marrow Donor  Program spoke on the under representation of African Americans  in the Marrow Donor Registry despite the prevalence of bone marrow diseases in the African-American population.On site enrollment cards and cheek swabs were available and used by many in the audience.Her moving description of recent families affected by bone marrow disease provided case studies on the tremendous need for bone marrow donation.

It is always our pleasure at  5 A DAY CSA  to provide fruit(Stayman-Winesap apples and asian pears)  at events which champion health and wellness.We have recently participated in the Stamp Out Sickle Cell Walk, the 50 Million Pound Weight Walk,and the Steve Harvey Foundation Charity Golf Tournament. As always, the  the seasonal fruit we bring is  thoroughly enjoyed by all.