When the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) started its Power of Prevention program, better known as POP, Dr. R. Mack Harrell thought of music. Harrell, M.D., endocrinologist with Broward Health, is a Fellow of the American College of Endocrinologist and founding member of the AACE and a gifted musician.
Lori Kessler, Director of School Health & DSM, Broward Health CHS; Mary Diggs, Teacher/Peer Counselor, Lauderhill Middle School; Dr. R. Mack Harrell, Broward Health; Adi Kogler, LPN, Lauderhill Middle School and Elsie Jean, RN, Broward Health DSM, CHS.
“I thought that this program would be perfect in teaching kids the concepts of maintaining good health and hopefully prevent them from becoming adult patients,” said Dr. Harrell, who treats diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac problems. “What better way to reach kids than through music – and thats how I came up with the song “Get Fit.”
Dr. Harrell started the POP initiative in South Florida this year by going directly to the students in Broward Countys middle schools. His Power Point presentation grabs everyones attention, then segues into a Q & A session, and finishes with the entire classroom rapping the song “Get Fit”. He stresses daily activity and food fresh from Mother Earth, not processed food made by man. “Physical activity, plus sound nutrition, equals a healthier you,” Harrell stresses to the students.
“It is imperative that we instill good health habits early on in a childs life. We can then establish a strong foundation and understanding of a healthy body and mind,” said Lori Kessler, director of School Health & Disease State Management (DSM), Broward Health Community Health Services (CHS).
