A&M International's Health Talks Begin Thurs., Feb. 13

Texas A&M International University will host a free health talk entitled "Change Your Fate If Overweight" on Thursday, February 13 from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. in Bullock Hall room 113 on the University's main campus, 5201 University Boulevard. Featured guest speaker will be local physician Dr. David E. Garza.

Admission is free and members of the community are invited to attend.

Dr. Garza will discuss nutrition, dieting, exercise and treatment options and offer practical, effective recommendations for losing weight, improving food habits, and developing a healthy lifestyle. He will also share the latest weight loss advise from medical and nutritional experts. His talk will end with a question and answer period.

It is estimated that as much as 33% of the American population is overweight, with the percentage higher among women and minorities. Excess body fat increases the risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, gallbladder disease, and certain types of cancer.

Registered Nurse Angelina Cantrell, Director of the University's Office of Student Health Services invites students and community members to spend their lunch hour at the free talk learning how to better their health in 1997.

"With warm weather upon us, the extra pounds gained during winter can no longer be hidden with heavy coats and bulky sweaters. Why not attend our health lecture and learn to shed those extra pounds," urged Cantrell.

The A&M International Office of Student Health Services is sponsoring the health talks as part of the University's Spring 1997 Health and Wellness Initiative. Upcoming talks include: "Improving Memory for Academic Success," featuring guest speaker Dr. Jeffrey Brown on Thursday, February 27; "Abusive Relationships," Dr. Susana Perry, Thursday, March 6; "The Truth About Cholesterol," Dr. Jorge Gomez Vasquez, Wednesday, March 19; "Diabetes," Dr. Eduardo Gomez Vasquez, Wednesday, April 9; and "Headaches," Dr. David Garza, Thursday, April 24.

All talks will be held at 12:00 noon in Bullock Hall room 113. Participants are invited to bring their lunch. Beverages and cookies or lite desserts will be served.

For more information on A&M International's Health Talks, contact the University's Office of Student Health Services at 326-2235.

Office hours are 8:00 am. - 7:00 p.m. Monday - Tuesday and 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu