Initiatives!

Bronx, Obesity, Diabetes and You (BODY) is a group of medical and graduate students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Founded in November 2010, BODY's mission is to address the high rates of obesity and diabetes in the Bronx, New York, by partnering medical students with the local community (surrounding neighborhoods in the East Bronx such as Bronxwood, Pelham Gardens, Bronxdale, and Morris Park). Specifically, we strive to counter these epidemics through exercise and nutrition education programs for children and adults at local public schools, expanding the capacity to grow and access fresh, nutritious food through a community garden, and the "adoption" of local bodegas (corner stores).

In just ten months, BODY has successfully partnered with Doctor’s for a Healthier Bronx to run a weekly nutrition and exercise program for the students at PS 89 in Spring 2011. Exercise activities included hip-hop dance and zumba, and nutrition classes covered topics such as understanding calories and reading food labels. Enthusiasm among the students and school has been high, and planning for a Fall 2011 program is underway. Discussions with the bodega across the street from PS 89 have already begun in regards to stocking healthier foods, such as fat free milk.