The mission of the Health Task Force is to educate and facilitate lifestyle change for the physical and spiritual well-being of sorors and the communities that we serve. The Health Task Force of Delta Sigma Theta launched initiatives that focused on the Physical and Mental Health aspect of our Five Point Programmatic Thrust and provided expertise in several areas. Within our chapter, the physical and Mental Health Committee participated in several lifestyle change programs and continues to offer health information to the Suffolk County community. Through the Lifestyle Change Initiative the committee worked to combat HIV/AIDS, obesity, diabetes, heart attacks and stokes. Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter partcipated in the Jones Beach Breast Cancer Walk, the Third Symposium on Aging, Go Red for Women and several other programs. Brief summaries for some of our events are available below.

The Total Woman Program

Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter participated in the Total Woman Healthy Weight Competition that required documenting lifestyle changes and weight loss over several months. Several members made lifestyle changes that included:

1. An increase in exercise
2. Simple, healthy changes in diet
3. Heightened awareness of the importance of maintaining a low fat, low calorie diet.
4. Regular checkups
5. Commitment to living healthy

Sorors Bentley, Dove, Newman, Thomas, Ledbetter,
Chatman and Holmes Working Out

Participants offered the following list of Physical and Mental Health insights gained as a result of this experience:

1. Increased Energy
2. Felt physically and mentally stronger
3. Decreased levels of stress
4. Increased productivity
5. Improved attitude

In concluding the Total Woman Healthy Weight Competition, the chapter felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment and gratification. The Program raised the consciousness of sorors and members of the community. The chapter worked diligently to lose weight and to maintain a healthier lifestyle. The Lifestyle Change Initiative has provided useful tools that can be used throughout a lifetime in order to maintain good health and a more meaningful quality of life. The chapter views the program as a first step to weight loss and overall good health.

The Witness Walk for Breast Cancer

Sorors of Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter participated in the Witness Walk for Breast Cancer on May 6, 2006. The walk was 5.9 miles. This is an annual event, comprised primarily of African Americans and breast cancer supporter. The goal is to highlight and raise awareness regarding the importance of breast exams, early detection and preserving one’s health, especially in the African American community.

 

Multiple Sclerosis Walk

Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter participated in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk on May 13, 2006. The walk was 2 miles long led by Soror Shelley Riley and Aliya Holmes. The goal of this walk was to raise awareness of the prevalence of MS, the importance of early detection and ongoing treatment.

Aliya Holmes, Leila Holmes and Shelley Riley at the MS Walk

Summit VI

Soror Harman (NJAC), Mimy(SCAC), National President, Dr. Rice, and Holmes (SCAC)

Sorors Aliya Holmes and Sybil Mimy attended Summit VI: Health Issues Impacting Women of African Descent. Sorors Mimy and Holmes spoke of President Louise Rice’s charge to us to “go back to our communities to participate and advocate for our sisters of the African Diaspora and to continue improving our health by embracing the challenge to make a difference.”

Sorors Mimy and Holmes thanked the chapter for giving them the opportunity to participate in such an historic and unforgettable experience. “It was truly an honor to represent SCAC at the 25th Anniversary Summit VI.”

Soror Holmes, Soror Sheryl Lee Ralph (Honorary Chair), and Soror Mimy

 

Soror Mimy, Soror Ashley Allison, Second National Vice President, Soror Jackie Cooper, Farwest Region Representative, and Soror Holmes

 

HIV/AIDS Prevention Workshop

In keeping with Delta’s Lifestyle Change Initiative, Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter presented an HIV/AIDS prevention workshop. The workshop was presented by a representative from the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. and members of SCAC, Sorors Chatman and Bentley, who are registered nurses and Soror Thomas.The information included demonstrations of what is needed to protect ones health from infection. The presentation was made to a group of African American women, who are housed in a special residence for families seeking shelter and safety. Members of the Mental and Physical Health Committee were also in attendance as well as President, Leila Holmes.

A special thank you is extended to the Physical and Mental Health Committee for their exemplary work ethics and commitment to The Total Women Health Weight Program. This is a competition and you have made Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter a strong competitor. The winners from each Region will be featured at the 48th National Convention in Philadelphia.