NOVEMBER 8, 2006
615.741.3763 (OFFICE)
615.289.9375 (CELL)
BREDESEN NAMES APPOINTMENTS TO DIABETES PREVENTION BOARD
GOVERNOR APPOINTS FILE TO BOARD TO HELP COMBAT TYPE 2 DIABETES PROBLEM IN TENNESSEE
“Tennessee children are very much at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, and it’s not confined to an urban, rural or suburban area - it’s across the board,” Bredesen said. “The ever-increasing prevalence of fast food combined with TV and video games, as well as a diminishing attention to physical activity in our schools, have given us the perfect storm. It’s going to take some intense work with communities, schools and parents to develop meaningful long-term solutions to this problem. I’m counting on the Center for Diabetes Prevention and Health Improvement Board of Trustees to help make that happen.”
The Tennessee Center for Diabetes Prevention and Health Improvement Board of Trustees consists of seven members, five of whom are appointed by the Governor. By statute, the appointments made by the Governor shall include one member who is a physician licensed in Tennessee, one member who is a registered nurse licensed in Tennessee, one member who is a dietitian licensed in Tennessee, and one member who represents a human resources management or business perspective.
Today’s appointments include:
Kenya N. Bradshaw, Memphis
Organizer, Stand for Children
Term expires: September 30, 2007
Ann T. Chaffin, Pulaski
School Nutrition Supervisor, Giles County Board of Education
Term expires: September 30, 2009
Timothy K. Peters, Kingsport
Director of Health and Wellness Programs, Health Fitness Corporation
Term expires: September 30, 2008
Dexter W. Shurney, M.D., Brentwood
Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Healthways, Inc.
Term expires: September 30, 2009
Cathy R. Taylor, Dr.P.H., Nashville
Assistant Professor of Nursing, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Term expires: September 30, 2008
Bredesen recently outlined a two-tiered diabetes prevention strategy, known as Project Diabetes and Coordinated School Health, which includes $22 million in grants to be used to increase public awareness and expand existing initiatives to prevent Type 2 diabetes in adults and children. Portions of these grants were specifically earmarked by Bredesen to launch GetFitTN, a statewide awareness program to address the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes. This initiative is aimed at educating both adults and children that proper nutrition and physical fitness can prevent or significantly delay the onset of the disease. For more information about Project Diabetes and GetFitTN, visit www.GetFitTN.com.
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