UA PH.D. CANDIDATE BEGINS "HEALTH & FITNESS SPECIALIST" SERIES ON KFSM CHANNEL 5

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Allison Ford, a Ph.D. candidate in health science in the College of Education and Health Professions, begins her monthly series "Health and Fitness Specialist" on KFSM TV 5 on Friday, Nov. 12. Ford, who was recruited by the station to provide monthly commentary on health and fitness issues, plans to graduate from the University of Arkansas in 2001.

Ford will address a variety of health and fitness issues each month, taking live questions from viewers during the noon news show. Ford plans to discuss health issues that apply to a range of age groups - young women, the elderly, and men and women of middle age.

Her first segment will provide tips to avoid weight gain throughout the holidays. "The average American gains between 6 and 8 pounds over the winter holidays," Ford said. "That weight gain, coupled with a decrease in physical activity and feelings of lethargy after large meals, can spell disaster for even the most health-conscious Arkansans."

Ford plans to offer timely advice on health, fitness and nutrition issues in future segments throughout this and next year.

"I’m excited about all the possibilities with a show like this," Ford said. "Because I’m given relatively free rein, I’ll be able to cover the topics that I think are the most important. A large part of my job as a health science educator is being able to bring the message of well-being directly to the community - this seems like an excellent way to do it."

After Ford earns her Ph.D., she plans to exchange her ties to journalism for academics, hoping to become a health educator at the college level. "KFSM’s health segment will be excellent practice for teaching," she said.

"Health & Fitness Specialist" will tape from various locations across the UA campus and will appear on the noon news hour on the first Friday of every month. In addition to the taped segments highlighting special issues related to health and fitness, Ford will also appear live with the noon hour anchor to take questions from callers.

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