Soul-U-Tions: Tools You Need to Live Healthier and Happier

In the District of Columbia, women are negatively impacted by heart disease, various cancers, HIV/AIDS, issues related to smoking, and obesity related disorders. Most of these chronic conditions can be prevented by changing behaviors and engaging in comprehensive wellness related activities.

Aban Institute and Associates, Inc. (Aban) will host two forums in celebration of Women’s Health Month in May at the Benning Road Library, 3935 Benning Road, NE Washington, DC 20019.  Join us for “Soul-U-Tions: Tools You Need to Live Healthier and Happier” on Thursday, May 13, 2010 from 5PM-7PM and Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 1PM-3PM.

Get the tools you need from top women’s health experts on a range of topics like spirituality to sexuality, physical fitness to financial fitness, from holistic healing to healthy eating and, everything in between. Speakers include: Ivy Hylton, Madea E. Allen-Gueye, Autumn Saxton, Jemma Harris, Cheryl Edwards, Belinda Anderson, Tina McIntosh, and Tambra Stevenson.

Aban recognizes the important role women must play with changing health outcomes for themselves, their families, and communities.  Please join us for these dynamic and interactive forums on women’s health.  We can live longer, healthier and happier lives.

For more information contact:

Nura Green, PhD
Executive Director
Aban Institute and Associates, Inc.
202-439-6343
Abaninstitute@gmail.com
www.abaninstitute.org
Discover. Engage. Educate. Participate in life changing activities.

District of Columbia Healthy School Act Hearing

The Healthy Schools Act Hearing took place Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. DC Council Chamber (Room 500) John A. Wilson Building1350 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.Washington, D.C. 20004



Video of the Hearing
Video of Councilmember Cheh's Opening Statement 

You can download and view Dr. Nura Green's, executive director of Aban Institute and Associates, Inc. testimony presented to Council below in Panel 11.

Agency Statements

Michelle Rhee, District of Columbia Public Schools
Kerri L. Briggs, Ph.D., Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Yesim Yilmaz, Ph.D., Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Panel 1

Kathy Woodward, M.D., Society of Adolescent Medicine
Douglas Van Zoeren, M.D., Kaiser Permanente
Muriel Wolf, M.D., Children’s National Medical Center
Mary Beth Tinker, R.N., Public Witness

Panel 2


Walter Smith, D.C. Appleseed
Amy F. Shroades, R.N., Public Witness
Nicole Farmer, M.D., Public Witness
Charlene Burgeson, National Association for Sport and Physical Education

Panel 3

Yolandra Hancock, M.D., Children’s National Medical Center
Deazon Gardener, 3rd Grade Student, Kimball Elementary School
Tamara Robinson, 3rd Grade Student, Kimball Elementary Schoo
Kristin Roberts, D.C. Hunger Solutions


Panel 11

Nura Green, Ph.D., Aban Institute and Associates, Inc.
Beth Perry, Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care
Mark Haskell, Friends & Food International
Antoinette McIntosh, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Panel 12

Erika Watson, Revolution Foods
Keith Jenkins, Student, Thurgood Marshall PCHS
Tara Flakker, Parents for Better D.C. School Food
Ariel Trahan, Anacostia Watershed Society

District of Columbia Healthy Schools Act 2010

On March 26, 2010, the District of Columbia City Council convened public testimony on behalf of the Health Schools Act of 2010. This legislation is designed to complement the existing educational reforms enacted by the Mayor and the Council. It is drafted to support the initiatives of District of Columbia Public Schools, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and the State Board of Education. The bill would apply to all public school students: those attending both DCPS and public charter schools. Specifically, this bill would (1) make school meals healthier and more nutritious; (2) increase the amount of local and fresh fruits and vegetables served in schools; (3) increase exercise and physical activity in our schools; (4) promote school gardens, recycling, energy reduction, and other green initiatives; and (5) improve school nurse, asthma, and allergy programs. Council will vote later this Spring to

There was tremendous buzz and engagement by concerned citizens. In fact nearly 80 residents, students, parents, organizations, businesses, and concerned individuals signed up to provide testimony.  DC is moving in the right direction to ensure our children will have the opportunity to live healthier and longer lives.

Click on the link here to view the hearing in it's entirety.