American Indian health activists will be in San Francisco for more than a week starting with Indigenous People’s Day Monday to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles, according to officials with Preservation of Authentic Traditions and Healing.
PATHSTAR is a group that uses activities to promote healthier living among Native Americans, according to the group’s website.
Monday begins the 13th annual PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swim Week, which ends Oct. 19, according to PATHSTAR officials.
Activists arrived this weekend from South Dakota, Washington state and parts of California and will conclude the week with a swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco, PATHSTAR officials said.
The 8-day event is part of a program that runs all year to educate and encourage American Indians and Alaska Natives to eat healthy and stay active, according to PATHSTAR officials.
The two groups have the highest rates of diabetes and obesity among all races and ethnic groups in the U.S., PATHSTAR officials said, citing the American Diabetes Association.
People from 17 to 59 years old will eat healthy, exercise and learn during the eight days, emphasizing native traditions and healing, according to PATHSTAR officials.
Keith Burbank, Bay City News
