Weekly health and fitness agenda: World Move for Health Day, Evolution Asia Yoga 2010

May celebrates a host of health awareness days ranging from fitness, healthy lifestyle promotion and global health awareness. This week opens with WHO's World Move for Health Day and the European Health and Fitness Association's annual Forum on May 10; then the week closes with Evolution Asia Yoga Conference in Hong Kong May 14-17.

World Move for Health Day
May 10
Worldwide

In 2002 the World Health Organization created the day to promote physical well-being and urged member states to engage in national and local campaigns since annually 1.9 million people die from inactivity. With obesity a concern in many nations, May 10 offers an opportunity to get physical with various local events and learn more about physical health. For more information on what your nation has planned and facts about the benefits of exercising, go to: http://www.who.int/moveforhealth/en

EHFA 3rd European Fitness Forum
May 10-11
University of Madrid, Spain

The Forum, previously held in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, hosts fitness industry professionals in an effort to "professionalize" the industry. The good news for European fitness club members is that this event could lead to new workouts at the gym like bodybalance, bodycombat, Cirque du Soleil inspired routines, Reebok Jukari Fit to Flex and classes geared towards seniors. The attendees will be treated to a dinner at Real Madrid Stadium and two days of sessions and demos to improve fitness in Europe. To attend, registration is €149, for more information visit: http://www.ehfa.eu/157.html

Evolution Asia Yoga Conference 2010
May 14-17
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

The 4th annual Asia yoga event brings together yoga enthusiasts and masters worldwide to explore the world of yoga through practice with a range of beginning and intense classes plus the yoga bazaar offers discounts on cutting-edge yoga wear and gear. There are also educational sessions on spiritual cleansing, body balance, Thai yoga therapy and much more. The event will also offer a hip-hop dance class and trance dance party. To purchase an all-access four-day pass by May 13 for HK$ 4,799 (€463.75) or onsite at the event for HK$5,299 (€512)go to: http://www.asiayogaconference.com/2010

World Hepatitis Day
May 19
Worldwide

World Hepatitis Day is about bringing attention to the fact that 1 in 12 are living with chronic hepatitis B or C. The World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), is a non-profit organization that represents 280 hepatitis patient groups worldwide, has organized links and information to a number of campaigns taking place on May 19 to promote hepatitis screenings, vaccinations and awareness.  Learn more at  http://www.aminumber12.org

World No Tobacco Day
May 31
Worldwide

World No Tobacco Day is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and this year's program is focusing on health promotion to stop the alarming rates in which young girls are smoking and being marketed to. WHO reports one billion people could die during this century because of tobacco use. May 31 is a good day to talk to your children about the harmful effects of tobacco use and also a great date to stop smoking. For more information visit: http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/2010/announcement/en/


Pepsi's Refresh Project Awards for May
May 31
Online

Pepsi's Refresh Project is a new campaign based on social-cause marketing; the program is simple and user-friendly, basically if you have an idea on how to better your community's health, share it and get people to vote. RefreshEverything.com opened its third round of submitting and voting for winning community health ideas. Each month 32 grants are distributed, totaling 1.3 million dollars (715,000 euros). To learn more: http://www.refresheverything.com/

World Blood Donor Day
June 14
Worldwide

This year the campaign is "New blood for the world" with targeted efforts to get youth worldwide to donate blood not just on June 14 but more regularly without rewards. To be a blood donor, a healthy lifestyle is required, and for the first time the day will have a 2010 global launch event in Barcelona, Spain, hosted by the Spanish and Catalonian Health Care Authorities, the Spanish and Catalonian donor associations and the Spanish Red Cross. To learn more about donating blood and World Blood Donor Day go to: http://www.who.int/worldblooddonorday/en and http://www.fullblooded.org/blood-donor-world-day

Dateline 2010: Global Health Goals & Metrics
June 14-18
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington DC, USA

Global Health Council's 37th Annual International Conference on Global Health will chart the progress on the world's global health goals with over 2,500 practitioners, global health and world leaders, activists, multi-lateral organizations, public and private sector health professionals, academics and researchers through the evaluation of health programs and performance effectiveness. During the week-long event a number of awards will be announced including the Gates Award for Global Health and media in health awards. http://www.globalhealth.org/conference_2010