Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation and the Creek Nation are partnering with Muskogee Public Schools to offer “Muskogee Rougher Summer Pride” to help raise awareness of the need for healthy lifestyles in school age children.

“It is great to be a partner with this community (Muskogee), the Creek Nation, and most of all, the volunteers who are working in so many ways to make this program a success,” said Cherokee Nation District 4 Tribal Council member Don Garvin.

The Rougher Diabetes Wellness Program, or “Summer Pride,” provides diabetes screening and educational activities to make participants aware of the early signs of diabetes and how to live a preventative lifestyle.

“We would not have been able to continue this program this summer without the generous support from the Cherokee Nation and the Creek Nation,” said Mike Gordon, superintendent of Muskogee Public Schools.

The Summer Pride program, which is in its 4th year and has over 500 participants, began on June 5th and last until July 19th.

“I believe the secret in the fight against diabetes is to have a healthy diet and daily dose of exercise,” Garvin said. “This must be started at an early age to help develop good habits and I believe this program is going to get this community headed in the right direction.”

For more information on the Summer Pride Program, contact Muskogee Public Schools, phone: 918-684-3700.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org