Promoting Wellness & Preventing Obesity: Public & Private Partnership

Presented by: School of Education
About two‐thirds of American adults and about a third of children are overweight or obese. Not only is this a serious medical problem, it is an economic issue of huge importance. The U.S. spends almost $150 billion every year treating obesity‐related diseases, most of which are preventable. This panel will explore what can be done through partnerships in the public and private sector to prevent obesity and promote wellness.

• Sharon Barbano, Vice President of Public Relations, Saucony Inc.
• Barbara E. Kahn, Dean, School of Business Administration, University of Miami

• Michel Nischan, President and CEO, Wholesome Wave and Founder,  Dressing Room
• Arlette Perry, Chair, Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences, School of Education, University of Miami
• S. Leonard Syme, Professor Emeritus, Epidemiology and Community Health/Human Development, University of California, Berkeley
• Richie Woodworth, President, Saucony Inc. and President of the Board of Directors, Saucony Run for Good Foundation
• Isaac Prilleltensky, Dean, School of Education and Erwin and Barbara Mautner Chair in Community Well-Being, University of Miami (moderator)

Harnessing the Power of Art to Improve Health Outcomes

Presented by: Lowe Art Museum
Educators have shown that using art to teach “visual literacy” can enhance observation and critical thinking skills that are essential to effective health care practice. This expert panel will explore how the visual arts could benefit aspiring health care professionals within their respective disciplines while improving patient care and fostering empathy.

• Sherrill H. Hayes, Professor and Chair, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami

• Alex J. Mechaber, M.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, Office of Medical Curriculum, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

• Abigail Housen, Co-Founding Director, Visual Thinking Strategies

• Hope Torrents, School Programs Coordinator, Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami (moderator)

• Ian J. Bishop, M.D./M.P.H. ’13 Candidate, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami (moderator)

         
Achieving Social Change through Music

Presented by: Frost School of Music
Reading disorders impair up to 10 percent of the population, incurring enormous social and financial costs to society and inordinately affecting low-income families. New research shows that the neural measures of speech processing that are deficient in such children are enhanced in musicians. Children from low-income families, however, have little access to musical training.  Similarly, longitudinal studies of immersion in arts participation indicate a reduction in behaviors that surround labels that mark young people for special education and some mental health services. This panel session will focus on research that supports an asset-based approach to bridging the achievement gap for at-risk youth and addressing the myriad problems of inner cities – through music.

• Guillermo Cespedes, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor, Office of Gang Reduction and Younth Development for the City of Los Angeles

• Shirley Brice, Margery Bailey Professor of English and Dramatic Literature and Professor of Linguistics, Stanford University, Emerita

• Nina Kraus, Hugh Knowles Professor, Neurobiology and Physiology, Otolaryngology, School of Communication, Northwestern University

• Margaret Martin, Founder, Harmony Project (moderator)