Coalition for a Healthy Maryland

Delegate Jon Cardin, Billy Ripken and Kimmie Meissner to address the importance of living a healthy lifestyle

(BALTIMORE) – Obesity is no longer just a healthcare issue; it’s a budgetary one as well. Annually in Maryland, $1.5 billion of adult medical expenditures are attributed to obesity. Productivity losses related to such health problems cost employers upwards of $1,500 per employee every year.

Obesity is one of the most tragic health issues of our time because it is a fully preventable condition. Reaching epidemic proportions nationwide, it is now one of the most critical health and budget issues in the state of Maryland. Because of this and other costly, preventable health problems, Maryland could face health care costs close to $50 billion in just six years.

To combat such a grim financial future, Governor Martin O’Malley, in collaboration with the Coalition for A Healthy Maryland, will raise awareness of the growing need for lifestyle changes in Marylanders with the 2nd Annual Healthy Maryland Day on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011.

This forum will raise awareness about prevention, the real cure for the health care crisis. World Champion figure skater and Maryland native Kimmie Meissner, and former Baltimore Oriole Billy Ripken will also be in attendance at the event.

What:
Second Annual Healthy Maryland Day

Who:
Governor Martin O’Malley
Delegate Jon Cardin
Kimmie Meissner, 2006 World Champion figure skater
Billy Ripken, former Baltimore Orioles player
Members of the Coalition for a Healthy Maryland

Where:
Governor’s Reception Room
2nd floor
Maryland State House
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401

When:
February 16, 2011
11:30 a.m.

Why:
To raise awareness about prevention, the real cure for rising health care costs and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

For media inquiries, please contact Bridget M. Forney at
410-243-3790 (office) or day-of at 240-298-5978 (cell).