Ricky Proehl Returns to Winston-Salem for a Free Health Education Event
Former NFL wide receiver and current head coach of the United Football League’s St. Louis Battlehawks, Ricky Proehl, will be back in his hometown of Winston-Salem on September 2 for a community‑focused health education program called Know Your Score.
The free event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the local Elks Lodge, is being co‑hosted by biotech firm Viking Therapeutics and the American Heart Association’s Greater Triad chapter. Organizers say the gathering aims to raise awareness about obesity, heart disease and long‑term wellness among residents of Forsyth County and the broader Triad region.
Expert Insights on Weight Management
Internationally recognized obesity medicine specialist Dr. Donna Ryan, professor emerita at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and former president of The Obesity Society, will join Proehl on stage. Ryan is expected to discuss the link between healthy weight and cardiovascular health, outlining evidence‑based strategies for disease prevention and sustainable weight management.
North Carolina faces stark health challenges, with 34.5% of adults classified as obese, 13.8% living with type 2 diabetes and 38.4% battling hypertension, according to state health data. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death nationwide, making preventive education a critical priority for communities like Winston‑Salem.
The Know Your Score program will provide attendees with practical tools for calculating body‑mass index, understanding risk factors, and accessing resources for ongoing health support. By bringing together a former professional athlete and leading researchers, the event hopes to inspire lasting lifestyle changes across the region.
Viking Therapeutics, a clinical‑stage biotech company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is presenting the initiative alongside its partner, the American Heart Association Greater Triad. Both organizations emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling chronic disease and promoting public health.