The African American Health Coalition, Incorporated (AAHC) and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deserve praise
for creating opportunities for exercise and a healthy lifestyle
for people who present a disproportionately high probability for
cardiovascular disease. AAHC should be additionally commended for
the excellent quality of professional services made available from
Garland Brown, Lay Health Trainer.
Prior to the establishment of these activities in Portland, many
who currently participate in the program had no access to the array
of classes that AAHC offers free of charge in convenient locations.
Also, without AAHC we would be denied the benefit of guidance from
a professional trainer with the assets of Mr. Brown.
He is energetic, well organized and has excellent interpersonal
communication skills. He consistently displays proficiency in teaching
physical fitness. Mr. Brown simultaneously manages a variety of
workout activities and is a tactful facilitator. He smoothly adapts
training schedules to meet individual health needs and accommodates
for personality differences in clients while ensuring their continual,
long-term progress. Mr. Brown clearly enjoys sharing his expertise
so that others can be healthier.
My practical incentives for exercise are to lower the risks of
a stroke or heart attack, build physical strength and endurance,
and improve circulation in my legs. I am reaching these goals as
a result of working with Mr. Brown. After several months of strength
training I can walk farther, exercise for longer periods of time
and lift heavier weights. Workouts that are supervised by Garland
Brown are a major contributor to this generally healthier outcome.
Congratulations to the African American Health Coalition and the
CDC for making this important program available in the neighborhood
and for including the valuable professional services of an outstanding
person from our community.