Congressman Al Green introduces medical students who participated in the health fair. Photo: Jesse Muhammad

“Many may have thought I chose the title ‘Green light’ because of my name, but I chose it because green is the color of life,” stated Rep. Green. “We have to educate the people on health. The gateway to good health is through the mouth.”

An array of health exhibits featured free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol check ups; low-cost child immunizations; free eye and dental exams; health pamphlets on Medicare, diabetes, asthma and cancer; safety demonstrations by the Houston Police and Fire Departments; a blood drive; people filing out CHIP and Medicaid applications; moonwalks for the children; free food, entertainment, door prizes, face painting and healthy dialogues.

The health fair addressed a number of health-related issues that disproportionately affect minority and low-income communities. For example, Blacks are more likely to be affected by high blood pressure, hypertension and cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. Additionally, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes is at least two to four times higher among Black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian Pacific Islander women than among White women. The inspiring news that Rep. Green delivered is that the incidence of many of these diseases can be greatly diminished by good health habits.

The “Green Light to Healthy Living” fair is a part of Congressman Green’s larger legislative effort towards increasing health awareness and access to preventive care. He has co-sponsored several health initiatives and legislations including the creation of an Office of Men’s Health, human embryonic stem cell research, the expansion of Medicaid/CHIP programs, and helping small businesses secure affordable health insurance. He has also joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the House Appropriations Committee to increase National Institute of Health (NIH) funding for Heart Disease and Stroke research.

“Rather than living to eat, we must learn to eat to live,” he stated, encouraging residents to work towards healthier living and building stronger communities.

“This fair was absolutely wonderful,” said Shareefah Muhammad, who is presently studying Natural Pathology at Clayton College of Natural Health.

Sponsors and participating exhibitors of this successful health fair included Community Health Choice, HCC, Harris County Hospital District, LULAC, NAACP, Houston Area Urban League, American Heart Society, Whole Foods Market, Texas Children’s Health Plan, Shrine of the Black Madonna, MD Anderson, Communities Against Tobacco, Methodist Hospital, Houston Area Dietetic Association, Lupus Foundation of America, University of Texas Health Science Center, State Farm Insurance and the American Red Cross-Southeast Branch.