DETROIT – University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics and Health Alliance Plan (HAP) are hosting a Community Health Day on Friday, Feb. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Detroit Mercy Titans' men's basketball game inside historic Calihan Hall.
This game is part of the famed Metro Series as the Titans battle their in-state and conference rival Oakland Golden Grizzlies. It will also be a special day on campus as the Titans celebrate the 40-year reunion of the legendary 1976-77 Sweet Sixteen team. A ceremony to retire Terry Duerod's jersey, a standout and former NBA player, will be featured.
Community Health Day will offer Detroiters a chance to learn how to develop good eating habits, and how to improve emotional and physical health. Attendees will enjoy free chair messages, and walk away with wellness information and fun giveaways.
"Health education is more important than ever because Detroit is overwhelmed with these needs in comparison to other major big cities in the nation," said Tom Spring, Director of Wellness and Community Relations for HAP. "Events like this give people facetime with professionals to learn practical lessons on how to achieve wellness and fitness goals."
According to a 2013 Michigan Department Community Health Survey, approximately 31.5% of Michigan adults were classified as obese, with an additional 34.7% of Michigan adults being classified as overweight. Other studies also show that poor health and poverty are correlated when it comes to managing body weight and obesity. Accordingly, HAP events like Community Health Day and its Ready, Set, Cook! are rooted in the 5-2-1-0 guideline that teaches children and adults how to make healthier lifestyle choices.
"Detroit Mercy is heavily connected to the Detroit community with resources to educate and assist those in need," said Robert C. Vowels Jr., Director of Athletics, University of Detroit Mercy. "We are fortunate to team up with HAP to expand our efforts and to bring this year's crowd of Titans a game that'll benefit their health."
University of Detroit Mercy, a Catholic university in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, exists to provide excellent student-centered undergraduate and graduate education in an urban context. A Detroit Mercy education seeks to integrate the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of its students. University of Detroit Mercy is recognized as a premier private university in the Great Lakes region, distinguished by graduates who lead and serve in their communities.
About Health Alliance Plan
Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is a Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan that provides health coverage to more than 675,000 members and companies of all sizes. For more than 50 years, HAP has partnered with leading doctors and hospitals, employers and community organizations to enhance the health and well-being of the lives we touch. HAP offers a product portfolio with six distinct product lines: Group Insured Commercial, Individual, Medicare, Medicaid, Self-Funded and Network Leasing. HAP excels in delivering award-winning preventive services, disease management and wellness programs, and personalized customer service. For more information, visit hap.org.
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Contacts
Ebony Dooley
Health Alliance Plan
(248) 443-7847
edooley@hap.org
Jeremiah Hergott
University of Detroit Mercy
(313) 575-1875 mobile
hergotjw@udmercy.edu