Join legendary hip hop icon, Doug E. Fresh, Dr. Olajide "Hip Hop Doc" Williams, choreographer and fitness expert Marc Santa Maria, and Cedra Starks from the NYC Department of Education's Office of School Wellness Programs for a candid conversation exploring the connections between physical activity and mental health.

This is the second installment of "Weekend Wellness," a live series engaging families and communities around self-care and wellness.

Most of us – no matter who we are or where we come from – have experienced some level of adversity in our lives. However, at this moment, navigating through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the various learning environments, and day to day uncertainty can add to tremendous amount of stress for young people, teachers and families. Toxic stress can impact decision making, disrupt learning, influence sleep, and even affect health and immune systems.

Join this live conversation as we explore how physical activity is one of the best antidotes for stress and to improve mental health. Share your questions and concerns, discover new interactive resources from Hip Hop Public Health and others, and learn how to get more involved with the NYC DOE Office of School Wellness Programs.

This Weekend Wellness event will be streamed live on the Hip Hop Public Health Youtube Channel. We encourage you to pre-register to receive reminders, event updates, and submit questions in advance to the presenters, however registration is not required.

The NYC Department of Education's Office of School Wellness Programs builds a foundation for lifelong learning by promoting healthy, active lives and by working directly with schools, DOE offices, and City and community partners to prioritize equitable, standards-based, and high-quality Health Education and Physical Education for all students. Subscribe to the School Wellness Weekly newsletter to receive issues in your email inbox. Visit the School Wellness Weekly archive ​to browse previously published issues.

Hip Hop Public Health is a non-profit organization that harnesses the transformative power of music, art and science to foster health behavior change. Based in New York City, our vision is for youth and families around the country to be empowered with the knowledge and skills to make healthier choices, reducing preventable health conditions and achieving health equity. Follow on social @hhphorg and register for latest news and updates on our website.