Public Employee Press

Women on the move
Health symposium

DC 37's Health and Nutrition, Disability, and Women's committees joined forces for a health forum that brought 70 members to the union Nov. 20.

"We wanted to bring information to our members about the health issues that are affecting them and their families," said Local 420 President Carmen Charles, Health and Nutrition Committee chair.

The symposium featured a presentation about the importance of good nutrition and regular exercise by Vincent Ferguson of Body Sculpt of New York, Inc. Audrey Browne and Denise Gray of the DC 37 Health & Security Plan conducted an informative session on generic drugs and the importance of saving money to ensure the viability of the union's drug benefit. Safe Horizon advocates led a discussion on domestic violence.

"There was a lot of discussion about weight and exercise," said Disability Committee Chair Eileen Muller, president of Local 1482.

"Programs like this are essential to inform women about the need to include themselves as they care for others," said Women's Committee Chair Walthene Primus, who noted that some studies show that women's health is deteriorating.

"We plan to make this an annual event," said Charles. "In my opinion, if you're not healthy, you can't be productive."

—Jane LaTour