BUFFALO, NY, June 3, 2002 - The Research Center for Stroke & Heart Disease of The Jacobs Neurological Institute (JNI) at Kaleida Health has received a $300,000 grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation to expand a successful faith- based physical activity program called Moving in Faith.

"The Research Center has demonstrated its effectiveness in reaching the community in a way that measurably reduces the risk factors for stroke and heart disease," said Thomas E. Baker, Executive Director of the John R. Oishei Foundation. "We are pleased to support the Center's efforts to make positive changes in the health of people in Buffalo through effective community partnerships."

Moving in Faith was first developed through a relationship-building process with several faith leaders. The leaders joined in partnership with the Research Center to reduce health risk factors by adopting a wholistic approach to health and well being. "For too long we have separated spiritual wellness from physical wellness," explained Pastor Richie L. DeBow of Praise Tabernacle Church in Buffalo. "Getting in shape is not only beneficial to our natural being but also our spiritual being as well. With good, healthy bodies we can effectively do and accomplish the work of God."

Moving in Faith was piloted in five faith communities in 2001 where 352 members registered to participate in the rigorous, six-month program. Members set their own physical activity goals and underwent a series of health screenings to track improvements. It is the first known "faith site" adaptation of a work site program, originally developed by the Centers for Disease Control as March into May and later adapted by the New York State Department of Health as Move for Life.

"We worked together as a total community, involving the leadership of clergy, medicine and active faith members who wanted to make a positive change for their congregations," said Frederick E. Munschauer, III, M.D., director of the Research Center. "Moving in Faith is an example of what can happen when we work together to achieve a common goal."

Dr. Munschauer added, "There's no telling where the positive health impact of this program may ultimately end, buoyed by this new support for Moving in Faith."

Fifty-five percent completed the full program with 58 percent losing an average of 6.5 pounds and reducing body fat by almost 7 percent. In addition, hypertension, a serious risk factor for stroke, was reduced by 6 percent. Eighty-eight percent stated that they felt better and healthier than a year ago.

"Moving in Faith has been a great program for our church and has brought us together as a congregation," said Aviva Merritt, president of the Nursing Guild at Evangelistic Temple and Community Church Center. "I'm exercising more than I have for the past 30 to 40 years and I know others are too."

The Research Center has received more than 15 inquiries from other faith communities in WNY, as well as inquiries from around the state. Moving in Faith also has received recognition from such institutions as The Johns Hopkins and the state DOH and was the recent recipient of three community awards. The John R. Oishei Foundation grant will be used to expand the program into at least 12 faith communities over the next two years. A luncheon will be held soon to introduce the program to interested faith communities.

The John R. Oishei Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting medical research, health care, education and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corp., one of the world's leading manufacturers of windshield wiper systems.

The Research Center for Stroke & Heart Disease of the JNI is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing stroke and heart disease. WNY currently has the highest rates of stroke and heart disease in the state and one of the highest rates in the United States. For more information, call the Research Center for Stroke & Heart Disease at 859-3900.