DR. EHRMANN RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL CITATION FROM MOA
FOR PROGRAM COMBATING CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Troy, MichiganRobert J. Stomel, D.O., of Farmington Hills, president of the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA), presented Paul Ehrmann, D.O., of Royal Oak, with a presidential citation at the MOA Board of Trustees meeting in Troy for his program combating childhood obesity through awareness and education. Dr. Ehrman implemented the pilot program of the Children's Health Initiative Program (CHIPs) in Royal Oak in February 2005, and it expanded to the Southfield Public School system in October 2005. Dr. Ehrmann's long-term goal is to collaborate with health professionals, educators and businesses to implement community programs statewide.

"Nearly half of our children are overweight or are at risk of being overweight, which significantly increases the chances of suffering heart attack or stroke before age 65," explains Dr. Ehrmann. "Most people understand the significance of being overweight or obese, but they may not understand the importance of implementing lifestyle changes at home. Since eating and health habits are essentially established in childhood, this program targets children and their parents, who both play a role in making necessary changes."

"As one of the most obese states in the country, we need innovative programs such as CHIPs to help Michigan citizens avoid lifelong health problems and to help control rising health care costs," said Dr. Stomel. "Dr. Ehrmann's program is true to the osteopathic philosophy of practicing preventive medicine to help patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that help them prevent injury and illness from occurring. His efforts deserve not only recognition but also emulation."

The Michigan Osteopathic Association represents more than 5,000 osteopathic physicians and students and promotes the image of osteopathic medicine in Michigan by shaping the healthcare delivery system to better serve the community.

To learn more about the MOA, visit the MOA website at www.mi-osteopathic.org .

See also: MOA Jan 2006 Newsletter in PDF format