LEARN HOW TO LIVE A HEALTHY, GREEN LIFESTYLE AT THE 2ND ANNUAL ‘HEALTHY YOU, HEALTHY PLANET FESTIVAL’
Festival Hosted by Siteman Cancer Center and the Missouri Botanical Garden
WHAT: “Healthy You, Healthy Planet Festival”
WHEN: Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., south St. Louis
COST: Included with Garden admission; $8 adults; $4 St. Louis City/County residents. Free children ages twelve and under.
INFO: www.mobot.org; (314) 577-5100, 1 (800) 642-8842 toll free

ST. LOUIS - Experience the power of plants and learn how to live a healthy, green lifestyle at the 2nd annual “Healthy You, Healthy Planet Festival,” Saturday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Hosted by the Garden and the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, enjoy a day of healthy talks, tips, food, fitness and fun.

The Missouri Botanical Garden’s research collaboration with the Siteman Cancer Center, an international leader in cancer treatment, research, prevention, education and community outreach, has led to the “Healthy You, Healthy Planet Festival,” to promote the connection between good health and green living. Plants are essential to the basic survival of both people and the planet; they provide medicines, nourishment, shelter and the oxygen we breathe.

This year, First Lady Georganne Nixon will speak at the festival to highlight the importance of connecting Missouri children with nature. Speaking at 11 a.m. in the Gladney Rose Garden, Mrs. Nixon will discuss the “Children in Nature Challenge,” which directs state agencies to encourage Missouri communities to give children more opportunities to learn about and experience nature firsthand in all parts of the state. Connecting children with nature improves children’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Mrs. Nixon will answer questions and share in photography, time
permitting.

Become inspired to lead a healthy lifestyle and learn about the positive choices you can make to benefit both your health and the health of the planet. Expert-led talks will discuss the benefits of adopting healthy cooking habits, ways to prevent diseases, screening guidelines for breast cancer, and medicinal plants. Green products and supplies will provide earth positive choices.

Have health questions? Washington University experts and physicians at Barnes-Jewish Hospital will offer free health screenings and opportunities to “ask the expert.” Talk one-on-one with physicians and experts about a variety of health issues including: colon and rectal cancer, pancreas and upper GI cancers, gynecological cancers, lung and esophageal cancers, hereditary cancer, dermatology and melanoma, and breast cancer. Relaxation techniques, massages and traditional remedies, including Chinese herbs will also be presented.

Learn about colon cancer and walk through the human colon. The 12-foot-high, 30-foot-long inflatable colon offers an up-close look at healthy colon tissue, colorectal polyps and various stages of colorectal cancer.

Visit the women’s pavilion to get information on breast health screenings and talk to physicians about correct methods of self-examination. The Siteman Cancer Center’s Every Woman, Everywhere Mobile Mammography Van will be available for screenings by appointment only. To schedule a mammogram call (800) 600-3606. Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breasts and is the best test for identifying breast cancer before it can be felt.

Throughout the day, work off stress by participating in fit-for-life routines including yoga, tai chi, and more. Participate in “Turbo Kick,” “Punk Rope” and “Zumba” demonstrations provided by YMCA of Greater St. Louis Activate America. Hula hoop your way to a healthy body with demonstrations from the St. Louis Hoop Club or participate in a morning yoga-based stretch amid the beauty of the Garden with Big Bend Yoga.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital will offer healthy activities for children in the “Kid’s Corner,” including making your own trail mix and “Fit & Fun at Home” activities. Get your face painted and learn about the importance of recycling.

The “Healthy You, Healthy Planet Festival” is included with Garden admission of $8; St. Louis City and County residents enjoy discounted admission of $4 and free admission on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until noon. Children ages 12 and under and Garden members are free.

Healthy foods from area vendors will be available for purchase.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd. in south St. Louis, accessible from Interstate 44 at the Vandeventer exit and from Interstate 64 at the Kingshighway North & South exit. Free parking is available on-site and two blocks west at the corner of Shaw and Vandeventer.

For general information, visit www.mobot.org or call the recorded event line at (314) 577-9400 or toll-free 1 (800) 642-8842.

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