Call to Action

It is to bad Dean is not making is way to Tallahassee. It would be fun to run with him.

Call to Action: "
We have a HUGE problem in this country. We’ve let our health slip, and it’s costing us in more ways than we think. In my home state of California alone, the cost of treating obesity and obesity-related diseases is a staggering $23 billion a year. Yet, that figure only captures the hard medical cost. I would say the quality-of-life issues and the anguish and loss of self-esteem that being in such poor physical condition takes an even greater toll. Obesity and inactivity are villains robbing many of us of life’s basic happiness.

Okay, you know these things. You’ve heard it all before. We all have. What we really need is action to address the problem. In the spirit of doing what you can, I’ve come up with a plan. But I need your help. Let’s get this country moving again!

What I’m asking is that you to join me in this crusade to take back the health of America. On February 25th I’ll be taking an important step toward bringing greater awareness to the insidious problem of obesity and inactivity, and I want you to be part of this mission. Let’s collectively encourage physical activity and healthy diet by showing that running and outdoor activity can be fun and rewarding, all the while raising funds for a great cause, Action for Healthy Kids.

The press release below explains the undertaking. I hope to see you out on the open road!

(To learn more, including how you can help, click here.)


“LIVE! WITH REGIS AND KELLY” ANNOUNCES “REGIS & KELLY’S RUN ACROSS AMERICA WITH DEAN KARNAZES”

LIVE’s Most Ambitious Endeavor Yet Features Ultra-Athlete Dean Karnazes Running Coast-to-Coast to Inspire America

12-Week Event Will Benefit Action for Healthy Kids®

NEW YORK, NY – February 3, 2011 — On today’s “LIVE! with Regis and Kelly,” hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa announced the popular morning talk show’s most ambitious undertaking yet. LIVE is teaming up with ultramarathon runner, author and motivator Dean Karnazes for “Regis & Kelly’s Run Across America with Dean Karnazes,” a coast-to-coast challenge designed to inspire Americans to get up, get active and get healthy.

Beginning in Southern California on February 25 with a spectacular kick-off event at The Disneyland Resort that will be broadcast that morning on LIVE, Karnazes will undertake the unthinkable: he’ll run nearly 3,000 miles, averaging an unbelievable 40-50 miles daily, nearly the equivalent of two marathons every day. From California, he’ll make his way cross-country through the Southwest, passing through Arizona and New Mexico on his way to America’s Heartland. After running through Kansas, Missouri, Indianapolis and Ohio, he’ll head down to the nation’s capital, then travel north through Maryland and Pennsylvania, before completing his journey in mid-May when he runs into LIVE’s New York City studio, live on the air.

In addition to sending an important message about health and fitness, the run also will benefit Action for Healthy Kids®, the nation’s leading nonprofit and largest volunteer network fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment. Action for Healthy Kids helps schools become healthier places and teaches kids to eat right, be active every day and ready to learn.

As he runs, LIVE’s viewers will follow Karnazes’ challenges and triumphs as he takes on an amazing feat few athletes would attempt. LIVE will cover Karnazes every step of the way, with regular live and taped video updates from the run. Karnazes also will maintain an on-going blog on the LIVE website, and tweet messages and photos from the road so viewers can keep track of his incredible odyssey. In many cities, there will be organized “Run with Dean” 5k events in which local runners can join the ultramarathoner and be a part of his extraordinary cross-country trek. All proceeds from the 5k events will benefit Action for Healthy Kids and their efforts.

Three key partners have joined LIVE and Karnazes to make “Regis & Kelly’s Run Across America with Dean Karnazes” possible. In conjunction with its Way to Well Commitment, Walgreens will provide health checks for Karnazes as he makes his way from California to New York and provide wellness supplies for the three-month run. Eucerin is partnering with LIVE to build awareness of their “Skin First” mission, by encouraging people across the country to make skincare an essential part of their daily healthcare routines, as well as providing skincare tips and advice to viewers throughout the duration of the run. And as Karnazes journeys mile-by-mile across the country, OnStar will provide GM vehicles equipped with its full range of services, keeping Karnazes and his team connected and safe at all times.

“We first got to know Dean when he tried to break a world record on our show, running more than 211 miles on a treadmill over a 48-hour period. The entire staff was amazed and inspired by him,” said Michael Gelman, Executive Producer, “LIVE! with Regis and Kelly.” “This is an incredible opportunity for us, to be working with a role model like Dean Karnazes on such a positive effort: encouraging fitness, fighting against childhood obesity, and hopefully inspiring our viewers to live healthier lives.”

“America needs to reclaim its health,” noted Karnazes. “LIVE is bringing light to this critical situation and I am glad to be part of it. Let’s run!”

“With more than 30% of children in this country overweight or obese we’re fighting a serious childhood obesity epidemic. We have to get our children eating well and moving more,” said Rob Bisceglie, Executive Director of Action for Healthy Kids. “That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with ‘LIVE! with Regis and Kelly’ on Dean Karnazes’ cross-country adventure. It’s a fantastic way to highlight the importance and benefits of physical activity.”

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Again: To learn more, including how you can help, click here!"