On Your Mark...Get Set...Start Walking for Better Health Atlanta!

ATLANTA, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lace up your sneakers, add some spring to your step and join Coca-Cola and TV's popular medical and diet expert, Dr. Ian Smith on The Makeover Mile!  This new initiative from Dr. Ian brings a one-mile walk and health fair to Atlanta to educate residents on living a more active, healthy lifestyle.  The walks were created as an extension of Dr. Ian's popular 50 Million Pound Challenge program and are being made possible, in part, by Coca-Cola's Live Positively initiative.  

"For decades, Coca-Cola has strived to make a positive difference in people's lives and the communities where they live, work and play," said Diane Waugh, Manager of Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Refreshments.  "We are excited to partner with Dr. Ian to help people in Atlanta take those first steps on an important path to better health and well-being."

Throughout the Spring, Dr. Ian and The Makeover Mile will visit seven communities, including Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles.  Atlanta's walk is expected to draw a crowd of families and friends from all neighborhoods and will feature appearances from local officials including Atlanta City Council Member Michael Julian Bond.

"Obesity and its related medical consequences are complicated issues. There is no single solution or problem solver, rather it's going to require various and numerous soldiers to win this difficult fight," said Dr. Ian Smith, creator and founder of The Makeover Mile and 50 Million Pound Challenge.  "It's my aim to gather many different stakeholders across the country to provide education and resources directly to the people who need it the most, especially in communities that have a high rate of obesity and diminished access to quality healthcare."

Following the walk, participants and the public are invited to join a health fair that will provide free health screenings, fitness demonstrations and a healthy cooking demonstration led by local registered dietitian Marie Spano of Marie Spano Nutrition Consulting.  Other physicians and health providers dedicated to helping people understand how to make simple changes to improve their quality of life will also attend.  To learn more about this event and other Makeover Mile events, visit www.makeovermile.com.

The Coca-Cola Company is guided by a philosophy called "Live Positively" – an expression of who we are, what we do and why we are committed to impacting the lives of consumers.  Sponsorship of The Makeover Mile is just one of many things our company is doing to help Americans lead a more active, healthy lifestyle.  For more than 60 years, we have partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and in 2005 launched the Triple Play program which has helped more than 1 million kids get more physically active, eat healthier and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships to date.  We have also donated millions of dollars toward the restoration and renovation of our country's parks, helped turn thousands of old railroad tracks into trails for biking, walking and skating and provided support and funding for important issues like women's heart health and childhood obesity.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.  The Company's portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, as well as Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees.  Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day.  With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.  For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

SOURCE The Coca-Cola Company