One Brooklyn Health launches inaugural Obesity Walk

Over 50 people walked and ran early Saturday morning during the launch of One Brooklyn Health’s inaugural Obesity Walk dedicated to supporting patients undergoing weight loss.

Top executives and employees participate in what was described as “an exciting day of walking, running, and promoting a healthier lifestyle.”

The Walk took place at the Osborn Park track field, conveniently located on Linden Blvd. between Osborn and Rockaway Ave., just a few blocks away from the OBH Brookdale Campus, the home of the hospital’s Bariatric Program.

Dr. Theadore Hufford before taking to the tracks. Photo by Nelson A. King

Lead Bariatric surgeon, Dr. Theadore Hufford, is not only passionate about this work but knows firsthand the challenges of weight loss, as he is a past Bariatric patient himself.

Dr. Hufford and OBH Brookdale Campus professional team said they are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to each patient, which includes multiple consultations, food preparation guidance and thorough follow-ups.

He told Caribbean Life at the launch that the Walk is aimed at bringing “awareness of obesity in the community, to raise money to supply the necessary resources for people in the community and to show people that anyone can participate.”

Dr. Sandra Scott, right, executive director for Brookdale Hospital, One Brooklyn Health, participates in the Walk. Photo by Nelson A. King

Dr. Sandra Scott, executive director of Brookdale Hospital and Medical Center, One Brooklyn Health, said that by reducing obesity, one is, simultaneously, decreasing diabetes and hypertension, among other afflictions.

“We’re coming together to support our progressing fight in obesity, also to help the stigma of obesity, so people feel more comfortable,” she said before heading on the tracks.

Dr. Katrina Tulla, a surgeon in the Bariatric Program, applauded the initiative.

“I think the Walk is great to change the lifestyle,” she said. “I hope we’ll be doing this every year, and that it gets bigger and better every year.”

Sharon Leid, right, with Nicole Favours accepting registrants, and Curtis Williams, director of community relations.P hoto by Nelson A. King

Physician Assistant Sydney Baker, clinical coordinator in the Bariatric Program, also said the Walk was “great, because we’re trying to reach across the community.

“The journey is a combination of proper dieting and increased physical activity,” she said.

Guyanese-American Sharon Leid, director of external affairs at One Brooklyn Health, said obesity is “a big issue in our community.”

“We decided to promote health living, and Brookdale is in the forefront of promoting healthy living in the community,” she said, disclosing that OBH Bariatric Program was recently awarded as a Center of Excellence, “demonstrating our commitment to excellence in patient care.

“This exciting news is a testament to the exceptional services we provide to the East and Central Brooklyn communities,” Leid added.

During the Walk, participants and supporters received an OBH Medallion as a token of appreciation for their involvement.

Trinidadians Ravi and Mera Samaroo, of Innovative Healthy Systems Salad Master, provide salad at the Walk. Photo by Nelson A. King

Additionally, a variety of nutritional foods and vegetables were available “to nourish and energize everyone,” Leid said.

Trinidadians Ravi Samaroo and his wife, Mero, owners of Innovative Healthy Systems Salad Master, provided salad to participants.

Some sponsors of the Walk included Norvo Nordisk, Brownsville Recreational Center and 500 Men Making A Difference.