As the Media Health Sponsor, HITN Celebrates the Launch of 'Mi Salud Primero' Health Initiative at the 53rd National Puerto Rican Day Parade

NEW YORK, June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- HITN announces the launch of "Mi Salud Primero" at the 53rd National Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, June 13th, 2010.  "Mi Salud Primero" (www.hitn.org) is a comprehensive, multi-year initiative that supports First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign.  "Mi Salud Primero" and its 5 Step Challenge, responds to the health disparities of Latinos living in the U.S. and will become a key resource for the community it serves, promoting physical health via nutrition, exercise and preventative care, as well as provide much needed information on healthcare.  The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc. (HITN) is the first public Spanish-language educational and cultural network in the U.S. and is the proud Media Health sponsor of this year's parade.  

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"HITN has been a part of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities for many years and our coverage has allowed viewers to be part of a remarkable day that celebrates not only Puerto Ricans, but all Latinos. We are thrilled to be able to continue the partnership with the Parade and share our 'Mi Salud Primero' initiative.  We are committed to contributing to the health and well being of the community we serve and this is a great way to kick it off," says Jose Luis Rodriguez, President and CEO of HITN.

On the HITN "Mi Salud Primero" float will be HITN's own fitness expert and proud Puerto Rican, Carlos Pina. He will lead kids and parents from elementary school PS 120 in a newly created, traditional plena music inspired exercise routine.  Carlos will be joined by Dr. Jose Franceschini, best-selling author of Vivir a Plentitud and the Medical Host and Chief Doctor for the campaign. HITN's "Mi Salud Primero" and partner Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is inviting parade followers to take the "Mi Salud Primero" 5-Step Challenge with the goal to lose weight and get healthy. The 5 Steps include: 1) See a Doctor, 2) Obtain a Health Plan, 3) Learn Preventive Care, 4) Join a Nutrition Program and 5) Exercise.

"I am honored to join this celebration as well as the Mi Salud Primero campaign to help our Latino communities, in particular Puerto Ricans, be more aware of how to reduce our high indices of obesity and diabetes. In this festive environment, at this great parade, Mi Salud Primero wants to bring awareness and health to all," says Dr. Jose Franceschini.

HITN will be providing ongoing coverage of the 53rd National Puerto Rican Day Parade on its national television platform available through Dish, Direct TV, and Verizon FIOS, in select local markets through Comcast, AT&T Uverse and Time Warner Cable. To learn more about Mi Salud Primero and to view the 53rd National Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities visit www.hitn.org

ABOUT HITN, INC.

The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc. (HITN) was established in 1983 as a non-profit organization. HITN's mission is dedicated to the advancement of Hispanics by providing engaging educational entertainment that invites individuals and families to live fuller, richer lives and enables them to serve as an ever-growing engine of intellectual power and progress. HITN-TV was created in 1987, becoming America's first Public Service Media Network for Latinos. Today, HITN-TV can be found on cable, satellite, video on demand and online reaching over 34 million U.S. households. HITN provides a unique source of educational, cultural, news and public affairs programs to the Hispanic households in the United States and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE HITN