Black Beauty Conference Lights Up Florida

ATLANTA -- Health is an increasing concern in the African American community and especially among women. Disproportionate medical statistics, unhealthy lifestyles, obesity, economic imbalance, healthcare reform, rising healthcare costs and shrinking healthcare coverage, all work against African American women striving to improve their health and lead a more holistic lifestyle for those in their care.

On July 21-23, 2011, The Black Health Medical Research Foundation, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, Big Bend AHEC of Florida and Georgia Nurses Association will hosts its 3rd National Black Women's Health and Beauty Conference and Professional Education Symposium entitled, "Giving You the Best that I Got." The conference will be held in Hollywood, Florida at the magnificent Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa.

The event is designed to address the health concerns of individual consumers and to prepare practicing professionals care for those they serve by equipping them with the skills needed to provide culturally competent services. The 2011 conference has two major educational components: 1) a consumer based agenda for the general public and 2) a continuing education agenda where practicing professionals such as nurses, midwives, dieticians, certified health education specialists, social workers and counselors can obtain industry required CE credits.

Scheduled at this 2011 event are a variety of sessions-panel discussions, vendors, exhibitors, selected sessions for men, book publishing workshop, black-tie banquet event, children activities, and opportunities for networking with resources and other like minded women. The conference is ideal for individuals and families that are looking for the perfect vacation.

"African-American women face (1) high rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, (2) longstanding barriers to patient education and (3) access to treatment. Pfizer is hard at work on solutions and proud to sponsor a conference that empowers women to chart a strong course for good health," says Dr. Freda C. Lewis-Hall, Chief Medical Officer, Pfizer Inc.

"The hopes, wishes, ambitions, aspirations and plans of a person are all supported under the general heading of health," says Marcus Oaks, Chairman and Executive Director of the Black Health Medical Research Foundation, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization. "Therefore, education and responsiveness are crucial elements in helping African American women shift paradigms to improve the quality of their overall health and the health of their loved ones."

In addition to the sessions described above, they will award 5 scholarships: two (2) for women who desire to return to college and otherwise have not had the opportunity and three (3) for medical students selected after their presentation of original abstracts.

On the last evening of the conference, Black Health Magazine will host the Black Health Awards Banquet where all scholarship recipients will be presented. Also during the award ceremony, they will honor Miami's 25 Most Influential African American Doctors who have "Given their Best" to improve the health of African Americans in their respective communities. In addition, they are honoring R&B Sensation Angie Stone along with Celebrity Fitness Trainer Donna Richardson Joyner and ESPN Anchor Stuart Scott.

Attendees will get the answers to their questions/concerns, and the opportunity to network with other African American women from all around the country, who want ‘the best' for themselves and those important people around them.