Chrysalis Center will be hosting Wilmington’s 5th Walk From Obesity and Fitness Fun Run on Saturday, October 14 at our office in the Burnt Mill Business Park. This event benefits the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), an organization that is committed to improving public health and well-being. This is done through research and education, awareness, and access to care. Chrysalis Center is a member of the ASMBS and an advocate of these initiatives as we strive to help clients both physically and psychologically become healthy.
This year, our theme for the Walk is “Fight the Stigma”. Today in America, there are many types of discrimination and stigma against specific populations of people. We see this in many scenarios for children and adults who are obese. While any healthcare provider wants to help individuals become healthy and avoid risks associated with obesity, it is very important to fight weight based discrimination. In the workplace, it is becoming one of the top reasons why candidates are passed over. In fact, “it has become a leading cause of either discrimination or termination from jobs for the female population, representing the third most common form of discrimination for women in the workplace, after sex discrimination and age discrimination.” (HG.org)
The ASMBS and Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) are committed to raising awareness for employers and law makers about the dangers of weight based discrimination. By participating in the Walk From Obesity as an individual or as an organization, you are helping to advance this issue so that fewer Americans will be treated unfairly because of their weight. It is important for people who are obese to feel confident in participating in activities (for work or pleasure) despite their weight. We can raise awareness for this by encouraging business to consider thinking outside the box in their marketing efforts. We are already seeing this in some national advertising campaigns who are committed to including plus sized models. Through our fundraising, the ASMBS and OAC can continue to fight the stigma, raise awareness, and provide access to care to those struggling with obesity.
Are you ready to show your support and participate this year? Sign up as a participant here and use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout for a discount by 9/14/17! We’ll have a silent auction, prizes and fun on the day of the event. If you have a business that would like to participate, please email me at alexis@chrysaliscenter-nc.com for more information on those opportunities.
If you are struggling with obesity and you are ready to make a change, contact our office. We have a team of mental health therapists and registered dietitians who want to help you reach your personal and professional goals. We’re here and we believe in you.
Alexis is the Director of Professional Relations at Chrysalis Center and oversees all Marketing and Human Resource efforts.
