Medford is looking to combat a growing problem and the Chamber of Commerce is leading the pack with the citys first ever Health and Fitness Expo.

Obesity is a huge problem thats not just citywide, said Andrea McGrath, chairwoman of the committee organizing the expo. Its worldwide. There are a lot of businesses in the city that are in that industry, and the chambers job is to work for the community through the businesses that are in the chamber.

The Sunday expo, which is free and open to the public, will feature at least 30 different vendors and a host of activities for guests to take part in throughout the day, including Pilates, yoga, Zumba and various dancing and fitness classes.

In all the time that Ive been here, its been the best received idea by everybody, said Medford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jodie Coyne of the event.

Medford High School varsity coaches will also donate their services for the expo, holding sports clinics throughout the day on golf, baseball and crew.

For younger kids, the New England Patriots mascot, Pat Patriot, will be on hand from 12 to 2 p.m. to take pictures.

The goals are to create the excitement for our businesses in the area, for our restaurants to serve healthy food and to see this become an annual event where we eventually take over more space, have more vendors and maybe vendors from more towns will join in, said Medford Chamber of Commerce President Charlotte Scuderi.

Scuderi said the chamber is also joining forces with local restaurants like Carrolls and Salvatores in Medford Square to offer new, healthy menu options.

The most exciting thing is were kicking off the Weight Loss Challenge, which is open to any Medford resident, said Neil Anderson, of Fitness Together, who will also be at the expo offering classes on small group training

One of the first people to sign up for this years Weight Loss Challenge is Fitness Together Medford owner Peter Petrella, who is also a member of Medfords Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

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Medford Chamber of Commerce to hold Health & Fitness Expo