Peter B. Ajluni, DO
2007-2008 AOA President
         
The United States is one of the most obese nations in the world and childhood obesity is running rampant in our society.  In fact, there has been a more than 70% increase in overweight babies in the past 22 years causing car seat manufacturers to change the sizes of their car seats to accommodate heavier than normal kids. 

As a result, I will focus my presidency on health and fitness.  Not just from the standpoint of improving the health of Americans, but also from the perspective of ensuring that the AOA is a healthy and fit organization. 

Healthy living depends on more than just going to the doctor’s office for physical examinations—it also requires individual accountability when it comes to diet and nutrition, exercise and regular doctor visits.  Osteopathic physicians can play a key role in healthy living by most importantly serving as role models of health and fitness for their patients.

So how do we get started?  Instead of just talking the talk, we literally get up and walk the walk.  Participate in fun runs or walks in your community.  Encourage osteopathic state/specialty organizations to hold a fun run/walk in support of this initiative.  And, sign up for the AOA DOs: Fit for Life 5K Run/Walk to be held during the AOA’s Convention in San Diego on Tuesday, October 2 at 6:30 a.m.  It’s a great way to get started and show you care about your own health too.

And while you’re focused on taking care of your health, rest assured that the AOA is taking care of you.  Through its new strategic plan, the AOA is committed to making sure it is a fit organization, able to provide the resources and support you need so you have the time to focus on yourself.

Osteopathic Family Fitness Run/Walk Events

American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians
Fun Run/Walk
Spring Meeting, Phoenix
March 25-29, 2008 (tentative)

American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Fun Run/Walk with President
75th Annual Conference, Hyatt Grand Cypress, Orlando
March 29, 2008 (time TBA)

Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
VCOM Student Osteopathic Surgical Club
The Third Annual 5K Spring Into Summer/D.O.s Fit for Life Campaign Race for the American Cancer Society, Blacksburg
April 5, 2008 (time TBA)

New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
13th Annual 5K Run & One-Mile Fun Run/Walk
Annual Convention, New Jersey
April 8, 2008 (time TBA)

Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association
Fun Run/Walk
Annual Convention, AZ
April 17, 2008 (time TBA)

American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine
2008 Fun Run/Tai-Chi Classes/Golf
2008 Clinical Conferences, Kansas City, MO
April 30-May 3, 2008 (time TBA)

Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
5K Run/Walk sponsored by the Young Physicians Committee
Annual Convention, Branson, MO
April 30-May 4, 2008 (time TBA)

Indiana Osteopathic Association
Fun Run/Walk
May 2008 (time TBA)

Massachussets Osteopathic Society
Annual Convention
May 2008 (time TBA)

Michigan Osteopathic Association
Fun Run/Walk
Annual Convention
May 2008 (time TBA)

Additional Dates for Upcoming Events TBA

Resources:
Each month the AOA produces a “Health for the Whole Family” article to provide information on  a wide breadth of health topics.  To help you and your patients live healthier lives, sign up to receive these articles via e-mail by contacting the AOA Communications Department at pr@osteopathic.org.

The AOA also partners with and supports many organizations dedicated to healthy living.