Ohio University’s first presentation in its Kennedy Lecture Series will be about health and nutrition.
The free event, which will feature guest speaker Neal Barnard, MD, president and founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, will be held in the Baker University Center Ballroom at 7:30 p.m., but doors will open at 6:30 p.m. because of limited seating.
The Kennedy Series’ committee members try to address timely topics such as science, health, literature and politics to interest as many people as possible, aid Scott Moody, chair of the Kennedy Lecture Committee, in an email.
“The folks at Live Healthy Appalachia, (the event sponsor), came to me with the suggestion (of having Barnard speak),” Moody said.
Most speakers have charged anywhere between $5,000 and $8,000, to more extreme amounts, such as $50,000. The money comes from an endowment fund established by Edwin and Ruth Kennedy, Moody said.
“I don't handle the financial end of things, but since (Barnard) would be coming from (the) Washington DC region, I should think that the travel costs, OU Inn and meals would be in the neighborhood of $1,000, more or less,” Moody added.
Barnard is a well-respected speaker and addresses topics that match Live Healthy Appalachia’s mission to promote food that is important to a healthy lifestyle, said Tom Kostohryz, chairman of Live Healthy Appalachia.
Barnard has completed research on diet changes, and overcoming personal health challenges such as cancer and obesity.
He has addressed such concerns in many other presentations, including speeches at other colleges and universities. He has appeared on “The Dr. Oz Show” six times in the past year.
Barnard has also written 15 books, the latest one being 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart, which provides a three-week weight loss plan. It also includes recipes and meal plans to help push readers to take part in a healthier lifestyle.
At the presentation, students will learn about the latest research on weight loss and healthy lifestyles, Barnard said
“Dr. Barnard will hopefully educate, motivate and inspire people to look at their (eating habits and lifestyles),” Kostohryz said.
kf398711@ohiou.edu
