Student Stories

Students Team Up with Dr. Mehmet Oz’s HealthCorps

On Saturday, May 31, 2008, students and faculty from the Acupuncture Program participated in a New York City health festival spearheaded by Dr. Mehmet Oz’s HealthCorps program. HealthCorps is a holistic, school-based preventative program being launched across the country. Its mission is to educate children on every day choices for healthy living, food choices, and fitness, especially for those at risk for obesity, diabetes and depression.

The citywide celebration was held at five schools, one in each borough. The events featured live DJ’s, speakers, entertainment and fitness workshops for students and families. Sonia Cabrera, MD, Dean of Administration for the Acupuncture Program, organized an information table at Lehman High School, which hosted the Bronx festivities.

Kimberlie Wilson, LAc, a faculty member, manned the booth from Noon to 4:00 p.m., along with acupuncture students Erica Espinal, Brian Chang and Seung Yeon Song. “The Swedish team of students did a great job interacting with the public,” said Ms. Wilson, “informing people about acupuncture, what it can treat and how it can work in a more health conscious lifestyle. There was also an exciting exchange with other holistic practitioners, ranging from fitness trainers to political activists, on ways we all try to promote healthier lifestyles with the populations we reach.” 

A highlight of the day was the appearance of Dr. Oz, chairman of HealthCorps, who gave an enthusiastic speech and then took time to pose for pictures with people, including our volunteers. For more information about HealthCorps visit www.healthcorps.org.

Photo above:
Acupuncture students Brian Chang and Erica Espinal with Dr. Mehmet Oz at the HealthCorps celebration on May 31, 2008.

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