NEW YORK- To garner support for its fight against child obesity and diabetes, HealthCorps, founded by heart surgeon Dr. Oz, transformed Tompkins Square Park in the East Village into a Halloween extravaganza of costume giveaways, elaborate art exhibits, live music, and a trail of healthy treats to highlight its advocacy of creativity over candy.
According to Dr. Oz, "I first conceived of HealthCorps when I found myself operating on younger and younger patients with blocked arteries as a result of poor nutrition and exercise. By bringing the HealthCorps message to schools through our health coordinators, we're educating young Americans to become knowledgeable consumers and start taking simple steps to implement healthier lifestyle options, from walking at least a half hour a day to reading food labels."
Melle-Mel of Grandmaster Flash brought the crowd to its hands and feet with a rendition of his classic, "The Message," to drive home his mission to create a healthier America by getting kids to be active throughout the day.
"It doesn't matter what you do as long as you keep moving," said Melle Mel, the hip hop pioneer who co-authored with Physical Therapist Maura Casey "The Portal in the Park," a rap and read book for kids about the importance of staying fit in all areas of life. "You can turn any activity into exercise, from dog walking to housecleaning," added the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Highlights of the day included:
HealthRockTM concert featuring Dr. Mache Seibel performing the "Healthy Halloween" anthem and other health-related songs.
"Grand Street High School Fun and Freaky Fashion Show" where
students from the HealthCorps-affiliated school in Williamsburg showed off
flashy original designs that they put together in merely two weeks.
Million Super Heroes March with Dan Green's Robots and Zagnut Cirkus
Orkestar.
Halloween Theatre with students from the Manhattan Center for
Science and Math High School.
At 6 p.m. New York City joined Thrill the World performing Michael
Jackson's "Thriller" dance in tandem around the world.
Free healthy treats from Bare Fruits, Cell-nique Green Drinks,
Breakfast Treats, and the Greenmarket among other supporters.
