By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
(Staff photo by Michael Rodriguez)
Lionel Betancourt, President of the San Benito Area Business Owners Association, is seen with an “I’m Losing It in San Benito” T-shirt, a marketing tool meant to drive interest toward healthier living locally.
In continuation of the organization’s efforts to promote wellness locally, the San Benito Area Business Owners Association will host its inaugural “I’m Losing It” Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon, the event will be held at Vega Building II, located at 258 S. Sam Houston Blvd. in San Benito, and will include free screenings for the following: diabetes, high blood pressure; dental; vision; body mass measurement; etc.
“The community can expect to see glucose screenings, blood pressure screenings, BMI, dental, and vision participants,” Cecilia A. Espinoza of the SBABOA said of the event, which is open to the public. “We will (hold a) free Zumba class and are in works of getting (karate or taekwondo presentations).”
Furthermore, the Association will be selling “I’m Losing It” T-shirts for $5.00. SBABOA volunteers are also asking the public to complete a survey to help inspire wellness promotion ideas.
Association volunteers have indicated that there will be activities for children, a presentation from a nutritionist, food and giveaways.
“The SBABOA is inviting the community to come out and explore, learn and take action to improve their health,” Espinoza said. “We care about our community’s health and wellbeing. We have received a great amount of support from community business owners and are expecting 35 vendors/businesses to be displaying and educating at the expo.”
According to Espinoza, the City of San Benito Community Grants and Programs Department is working in conjunction with the SBABOA for the event.
Also, Espinoza said businesses and organizations have an opportunity to participate in the event as vendors. There are, however, a limited amount of vacancies available.
Those willing to volunteer or register for the event can visit sbaboa.com or email Espinoza at cayalacc@aol.com.
A flyer for the event bills the Expo as a function that will feature vendors “showcasing the newest health services and accessories, distributing product samples and offering tips on health and fitness.”
SBABOA President Lionel Betancourt pointed to the area’s problem with obesity. There was a 2013 Gallup poll that reportedly listed the neighboring Hidalgo County metropolitan area as having the highest rate of obesity in the nation.
Betancourt said, “…We are looking for this to be the start of a niche market for our town. According to statistics … 80 percent of the population in our four-county area (is) overweight. That is purpose enough to try to do something. It is certain that no one afflicted with this dilemma likes it. My hope is that we as a group helping one another will create a successful move to lessening the problem.”
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