‘Father of aerobics’ to speak in Bloomington

“Father of aerobics” Kenneth Cooper, will be speaking at a lecture hosted by the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation \non Wednesday. \nHaving coined the term “aerobics” in his best-selling book “Aerobics” in 1968, he has worked to motivate people through his research in preventative medicine. \n“His message is the role of prevention in combating the health problems the United States is facing,” David Koceja, associate dean of research for the School of HPER, said.\nThe school will host the event because of the message to be given, he said. \n“‘Grow, move, change’ is our theme for the year since this is our 60th anniversary,” Dara Eckart, special events coordinator for the School of HPER, said. “Preventing disease instead of treating disease is our area of study.”\nThe School of the HPER hopes to spread this message through the lectures by showing that obesity causes more than just heart disease and diabetes. It is also becoming an economic burden on the U.S., Eckart said.\nThe two speeches Cooper will give will be based on different versions of this message. The first lecture will deal with healthy aging and will be titled, “The Real Cost of Healthcare: Workplace Wellness and Your Bottom Line,” IU Media Relations spokeswoman Tracy James said. \nCooper said he will explain various statistics, including how lowering the amount of needed health care in the U.S. by about 5 percent could save $700 billion annually. \nThe lecture will be held at noon on April 4, in the Wegmiller Auditorium at Bloomington Hospital, 601 W. Second St. Six other speakers will also be lecturing between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the same day. \nThe second lecture, “Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion: 21st Century Medicine,” will deal with preventative medicine and the role of a healthy lifestyle. Child obesity and physical education’s role in children’s lives from kindergarten through 12th grade will be highlighted in the lecture, Koceja said. \nThe second lecture will be held at 7 p.m. today, in the Whittenberger Auditorium of the Indiana Memorial Union. Entry is free and open to the public for both lectures.