Robert Sweetgall says we all have the power to improve our health.

“The bottom line message is active living, health and self responsibility,” he said. “We don’t need health care reform as much as we need lifestyle reform.”

Sweetgall, one of America’s most recognized fitness experts, will bring a series of free programs to Muskogee on Thursday.

Sweetgall is president of Creative Walking Inc. He said he has authored 17 books, walked across all 50 states, and appeared on hundreds of television and radio talk shows, including NBC Today Show, Kathy and Regis Live and National Public Radio.

In Muskogee, he will start the day early at 7:15 a.m. at the Indian Capital Technology Center, Building C, Room 500. He said he will be addressing mostly business leaders on how they can help their employees be more healthy.

Sweetgall said the day is planned to touch the lives of a wide variety of people.

“We’re trying to reach the entire population, from school teachers and school children on through small-, medium-sized and large businesses through the entire coalition (Muskogee Wellness Initiative) to try and plan more active living programs for the entire community,” he said.

From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Sweetgall will appear at the Muskogee High School Fine Arts Auditorium to speak to students about the benefits of walking.

“If schools took just 10 minutes in the morning for walking, the students would not only be healthier, but they would make better grades as well,” he said.

From 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sweetgall will speak at a Motivation to Move luncheon in Rooms C and D at the Muskogee Civic Center. He will use humor and motivation to talk about the five best activities to flatten your stomach, reduce weight, stress and your rate of aging.

Then, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Rooms C and D at the Muskogee Civic Center, is Bridging the Gap; simple, cost-effective action plans that every individual, school, corporation and government agency can do to improve health and longevity.

“Take three seconds in the morning to put a small device called a pedometer on your pants top,” he said. “At the end of the day, take three seconds to remove it and record your number of steps during the day. This way you can monitor your daily rate of activity.”

Immediately after Bridging the Gap, the final event at 5 p.m. is Sunset Nordic walking. It meets rain or shine inside the north entrance of the Civic Center.

Information: Martha Alford, 683-0321.



If you go

All events with Robert Sweetgall will take place Thursday.



WHAT: Worksite Wellness on a Zero Budget: Smart Strategies for Stretching a Dollar in a Recessionary, Sedentary Society.

WHERE: Indian Capital Technology Center, Building C, Room 500.

WHEN: 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

ETC.: Free. Breakfast provided by Muskogee Regional Medical Center.

RSVP: 348-7945.



WHAT: The Five Best Activities to Flatten Your Stomach, Reduce Weight, Stress and Your Rate of Aging.

WHERE: Muskogee Civic Center, Rooms C and D.

WHEN: 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

ETC.: To make a reservation: 682-2401.



WHAT: Bridging the Gap: Simple, Cost Effective action plans that every individual, school, corporation and government agency can do to improve health and longevity.

WHERE: Muskogee Civic Center, Rooms C and D.

WHEN: 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

ETC.: Free. No RSVP necessary.

INFORMATION: 683-0321.



WHAT: Sunset Nordic Walking.

WHERE: Inside entrance on north side of Muskogee Civic Center.

WHEN: 5 p.m.

ETC.: Free.

INFORMATION: 683-0321.