CLV Podcast

Unlocking Healthy Lifestyles: Events That Transform Lives in Vegas

About the Guests:

Annalise Lullo
Annalise Lullo is a co-founder of the Greater Youth Sports Association, a nonprofit based in Nevada dedicated to providing youth access to sports alongside educational and character-building experiences. With roots in addressing barriers to sports participation for children, her organization focuses on affordability and integrating social-emotional learning into athletic programs. Annalise and her team aim to nurture both physical and personal development in young people across their community.

Mekale Holmes
Mekale Holmes has served at the Southern Nevada Health District for six years, specializing in tobacco control. She coordinates programs focusing on smoking cessation, youth vaping prevention, and creating smoke-free environments in Nevada. Committed to public health, Mekale's efforts are geared towards educating African American communities about the dangers of tobacco use and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to 2025 with a special episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow" with hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens. In this episode, they explore efforts to foster healthier lifestyles in Southern Nevada, spotlighting local initiatives aimed at supporting youth and African American communities in particular. The conversation opens with Annalise from the Greater Youth Sports Association, who shares insights into how sports can be a vital outlet and developmental tool for young people in the community. We learn about the organization's commitment to integrating social-emotional learning with sports, making these programs accessible and affordable.

The dialogue then shifts to Mekale Holmes from the Southern Nevada Health District who discusses youth vaping, the importance of smoke-free environments, and how these issues disproportionately affect African Americans. Mekale emphasizes the Health District's second annual "Because We Matter Tobacco Free Living Summit" and underscores the importance of community engagement in combating tobacco-related health crises. This engaging episode is a call to action for community involvement in health promotion and the empowerment of youth through sports and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Greater Youth Sports Association provides affordable sports opportunities with integrated social-emotional learning and educational support to foster youth development.
  • The youth vaping epidemic is a significant concern, with flavored tobacco products posing a particular risk to young people.
  • The "Because We Matter Tobacco Free Living Summit" highlights efforts to reduce tobacco's impact in African American communities through policy, education, and community involvement.
  • Smoke-free environments, such as parks, are crucial for supporting public health and encouraging smoking cessation.
  • Cross-sector collaborations in public health initiatives, involving faith leaders and policymakers, amplify efforts to advance community health.

Notable Quotes:

  1. "Sports get the kids in, and then we teach them so many valuable lessons that go beyond the field." – Annalise
  2. "There is no safe level of smoking, and vaping is harmful, especially affecting young people's developing brains." – Mekale Holmes
  3. "African Americans make up about 14% of the population, but 18% are current smokers. This difference needs to be addressed." – Mekale Holmes
  4. "The faith community is crucial; even if we don’t go to church every Sunday, we will still listen to our pastors." – Will Rucker
  5. "Your health matters, and it includes your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing." – Will Rucker

Resources:

This episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow" is rich with insights into community health initiatives and the power of collective action. Dive into the full episode to hear firsthand from experts driving change, and stay connected for more enlightening discussions in future installments.