The College of St. Scholastica’s Department of Exercise Physiology will host a panel discussion, "An American Obsession: The Real Truth About Obesity," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, in the Science Auditorium at The College of St. Scholastica. The event is free and open to the public; door prizes will be awarded.

The discussion will be co-hosted by the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Local medical experts will serve on the panel. Experts include: Dr. Nancy Monaghan Beery, pediatrician; Dr. Krisa Christian, internist; Cindy Brown, assistant professor of nursing at St. Scholastica and a registered dietitian; and Dr. Larry Birnbaum, professor of exercise physiology at St. Scholastica.

"Our goal is to enlighten the public about the importance of lifestyle modification, as well as empower them to take action," said Beth Huschle, a graduate student at St. Scholastica and an event organizer. "We also wanted to give the community an opportunity to ask our local medical experts questions associated with obesity."

"Obesity is a serious issue that affects many people," said Tom Lanchoney, St. Scholastica graduate student and an event organizer. "This is an effort by the entire department to reach out and offer help."

For more information contact Birnbaum at (218) 723-6621 or lbirnba3@css.edu.