Sheppard Speakers Bureau in Action Published April 28, 2010 By Debi Smith 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sharing a mission for a healthier community, two Sheppard medical professionals partnered with the 9th Annual North Texas Conference for Women to share vital fitness information with almost four hundred attendees Apr 28. 1st Lt. Sonrie Pickens, 82nd Medical Group certified physical therapist, presented a 45-minute training seminar on her role in keeping Sheppard personnel fit to fight and the effects of physical exercise on the body with an emphasis on how critical proper footwear is to the process. Lieutenant Pickens graduated from the Army-Baylor Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy in 2009 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Texas in 2006. She was assigned to Sheppard a year ago. Andrea Hicks, a registered dietician at the base Health and Wellness Center, discussed the effects of childhood obesity. "It's time to take preemptive measures against obesity to ensure that future generations won't struggle with illnesses associated with poor food choices and lack of physical activity," said Ms. Hicks. Engaging her audience in a 45-minute training session on childhood obesity, Ms. Hicks reported that obesity, especially among children, has emerged as a serious threat to our nation's health. With one-third of children affected by this epidemic and this trend projected to continue, she offered information and fun practical solutions for parents and mentors throughout her seminar. The Sheppard health professionals shared the training day with nine other community health experts, including keynote speaker Michelle Aguilar, the season six winner of 'The Biggest Loser' television weight-loss challenge. For more information on exercise and nutrition programs offered by the HAWC, call 676-4292. If interested in joining the base Speakers Bureau, contact debi.smith@sheppard.af.mil in the Public Affairs Office.