Chicago’s health commissioner, Dr. Terry Mason, has asked the windy city to skip the meat for the month of January. And he’s targetting black Chicagoans in particular because they have the city’s highest rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension…ya’ll know the drill. It’s the same for black folks across the country. What’s exciting and downright revolutionary is that the city’s top doc is promoting veg foods as a way out. Dr. Mason says he’s going vegetarian for good (love it!), and he’s trying to get the city to join him–at least for the month of January. He’s hosting city-wide meetings at veg restaurants, taking people to farmers markets, and holding exercise classes. And it’s catching on. The program is in its fourth year and going strong. But Chicago isn’t the only city to take up the challenge. Philadelphia health czar and vegetarian Gwen Foster has created hugely popular veg diet initiatives for the city once dubbed the fattest in the nation. Foster’s “76 Tons of Fun” program, in partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers, boasted more than 26,000 participants and surpassed its goal to have Philly residents lose 76 tons of weight in 76 days. Who says folks won’t eat healthy?! They just need commitment and support from all levels of government. Congrats to the top health gurus in Chicago and Philly for leading the way. Now, if we could just get DC to catch on…
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Dr. Mason left his position as the City’s health commisioner and moved on to be the Cook County’s top doc. I heard about this iniative by Dr. Mason on the radio. This is actually how I found your site…getting ahead start for receipes to go meatless for January. I think it is great that he is promoting veggies and fruit as a way to self cleanse and eat healthier. Now to get folks moving more with exercising too. That would be a great combination. I am looking forward to attending Dr. Mason’s meetings at the veg restaurant. I’ll let you know how it goes…
hi, crenee.
thanks for the update about dr. mason. pls do keep me posted about how it goes. thanks!
Hello! I’ve been reading your weblog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you so much for the shout out! I appreciate it!