Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) encourages seniors to get physical

DALLAS, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Dallas Cowboys Tony Hill and Billy Joe Dupree, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and a coalition of other agencies will launch Texercise Dallas Thursday, Oct. 13, in conjunction with "Senior Day" at the State Fair of Texas. The event will be at the Cotton Bowl at 11 a.m.

Texercise Dallas, a healthy lifestyle program, challenges north Texas seniors to become physically fit through education, exercise, nutrition and motivational activities. Texercise handbooks, workout techniques and wellness information will be provided for all participants. People 60 and older will be admitted free, compliments of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, and everyone who attends the event will receive a Texercise T-shirt.

"Research has shown that heart disease and stroke, both of which are related to physical inactivity, remain the number one and number three causes of death in Texas," said Dr. Kenneth Cooper, honorary Texercise spokesperson.

"Regular physical activity is essential to living a longer and healthier life and is essential for 'long-term living'!" said Addie Horn, DADS deputy commissioner. "To help all of us age well and live healthier lives, our agency created Texercise."

Partners in the program include the Dallas Area Agency on Aging, City of Dallas Senior Services, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Visiting Nurse Association, La Voz del Anciano, Dallas County Health and Human Services, Emeritus, The Senior News Source, SilverSneakers Fitness Program, City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department, The Senior Source, Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, YMCA Dallas, AARP Texas, SBC, Luke's Locker, Pilgrim's Pride, HCA-Green Oaks, Methodist Health System, Amedisys Home Health, Richland College, Jazzercise, Sam's Club Pharmacy, and Mature Living Choices.

Texercise is a statewide fitness campaign developed by DADS to educate and involve Texans in physical activity and proper nutrition throughout their lives. The Texercise campaign also promotes community events and programs that support fitness in all aspects of life.