Asian Services in Action awarded more than $422,000 to address chronic diseases, health issues in Akron area

Sept. 30--The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded Asian Services in Action Inc. of Akron more than $422,000 for programs designed to fight chronic diseases and address public health.

The grant is intended to help the organization address tobacco use, poor nutrition, and infrequent physical activity, each a leading risk factor for premature death and preventable diseases or disability.

"This is excellent news for the health and well-being of residents of Akron," Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said in a news release announcing the grant. "So many deaths can be prevented through better nutrition, increased physical activity and the disuse of tobacco products. These funds will help expand access to life-saving measures throughout the region."

The award was part of nearly $8 million in grants to Ohio programs aimed at preventing such chronic diseases as heart disease, stroke and diabetes and addressing tobacco use and obesity.

For a complete list of the grants, go to www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/2014-foa-awards.htm.

Autism walk

The Stark County Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place Sunday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 9. The mile walk through Stadium Park will begin at 10 a.m.

The day also will include a community resource fair with area vendors offering food and kid-friendly activities and information on local autism services, along with Disney princesses, local sports mascots, entertainment, music, dancing and exercise instruction.

Proceeds will support Autism Speaks' work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about autism, fund research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Stark County.

For more information, go to www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/StarkCounty.

Lead poisoning awareness

Akron-Summit County Public Library and Summit County Public Health will present "Lead Poisoning: What We Can Do" from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the main library auditorium, 60 S. High St.

Experts from the Ohio Department of Health, Akron Children's Hospital, Summit County Public Health and the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority will discuss the latest in preventing lead poisoning, one of the leading environmental threats to children.

Free lead testing of toys and dishes, lead poisoning prevention information, lead rehab grant information and library health information will be available.

This program is free.

For more information or to register, contact 330-643-9075 or stdiv@akronlibrary.org.

Katie Nix can be reached at 330-996-3216 or knix@thebeaconjournal.com. She can also be followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KatieNix_ABJ.

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