NBA and Kaiser Permanente Joined Up for Inaugural Total Health Forum
The NBA and Kaiser Permanente, the nation’s largest integrated health system, teamed up for the first Total Health Forum. The event took place in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Jan. 28, the forum served as a catalyst to identify solutions in achieving total health of body and mind during the culminating event of NBA FIT Week 2016 presented by Kaiser Permanente (Jan. 21-29).
The Total Health Forum bought together leaders across health, sports, community and policy to address factors affecting health and wellness and discuss what measures can be taken to improve the health of communities in America. The discussion included social determinants of health facing America in an effort to elevate the NBA’s and Kaiser Permanente’s collective approach to healthy living for individuals and communities.
Forum participants included U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard J. Tyson, Hall of Famers Bob Lanier and Dikembe Mutombo, NBA legends Shane Battier and Steve Smith, 2011 WNBA MVP Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) and four-time WNBA All-Star Swin Cash (New York Liberty).
“Kaiser Permanente and the NBA are committed to shaping healthier lives, stronger communities, and better conditions in the neighbourhoods in which we all live,” said Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard J. Tyson. “This first-ever Total Health Forum is a great example of how our organizations are united in creating opportunities to make a real and lasting impact on community health.”
As the Official Health Care Partner of the NBA, Kaiser Permanente serves as the health care expert and consultant for the NBA on community health and wellness programming and played a critical role in developing the Total Health Forum. During the forum, participants contributed to a national dialogue to address health issues affecting NBA fans and local communities and to define action steps needed in achieving a life that is balanced in all aspects of health and wellness.
“Encouraging healthy, active lifestyles is at the heart of NBA FIT,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum. “The Total Health Forum presents a terrific opportunity to discuss and share ways we can all help make communities healthier and stronger.”
In addition to the forum, NBA FIT Week presented by Kaiser Permanente featured programmes and events around the league focused on three simple pillars: be active, eat healthy and play together. NBA Development League FIT Week presented by Kaiser Permanente took place through Jan. 29. NBA FIT Team members will help encourage fans of all ages to participate through fitness events and social media.
The 2016 NBA FIT Team includes Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies), D’Angelo Russell (Los Angeles Lakers), Elfrid Payton (Orlando Magic), Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz),
Head Coach Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat), Kara Lawson (Washington Mystics), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) and Swin Cash (New York Liberty).