NEW YORK, April 5, 2011 — The American Fertility Association (The AFA), a national non-profit family building organization, is excited to announce its 1st annual Zumbathon® for Fertility, to take place during National Infertility Awareness Week® (NIAW). The first event will be on Wednesday, April 27th at William Alexander Middle School (M.S. 51), 350 Fifth Avenue Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY at 7:30 p.m.

The AFA is committed to supporting men and women to be their healthiest, not only when they are trying to conceive, but for their entire lives. More importantly, The AFA wants all women to get pregnant safely, and to give birth to healthy babies. It was through this heartfelt ideology, shared by the entire AFA staff and board of directors, that Zumba® for Fertility was born.

Multiple studies show that fertility potential can be enhanced through healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating right and exercising regularly. Exercise has also been proven to support stress reduction, a common side effect of infertility treatment. Additionally, high body mass index (BMI) has been definitively correlated with increased risk of complications during pregnancy, and even fetal death.

The AFA’s staff is comprised of five members, residing in four states. The organization represents different regions of the United States, yet shares a common health-conscious ideology that transcends borders. Zumba® for Fertility was born out of a passion for the staff’s personal health, and because they’re passionate about bringing healthy messages to all individuals who are currently trying to create their own families.

Zumba® for Fertility will take place in the hometowns of the staff’s residence: Brooklyn, NY; New London, NH; Charlotte, NC; and Phoenix, AZ. Tickets are $20.

Health-conscious reproductive endocrinologist Richard Grazi, M.D., of Genesis Fertility and Reproductive Medicine in Brooklyn, has enthusiastically signed on as the first sponsor.

Long-time AFA staff members and Brooklyn residents Corey Whelan and Melinda Micciola are excited for the first event in their hometown. Whelan says, “Women who are trying to conceive often disassociate from their bodies during the seemingly unending process of infertility treatments. Zumba®, as well as other forms of exercise, can help women to not only reconnect with their physical selves but to also have fun in the process. And fun, for men and women going through this predicament, is a goal unto itself.”

“We commend RESOLVE for drawing attention to the challenges of those facing infertility during National Infertility Awareness Week®,” states Ken Mosesian, Executive Director of The AFA. “The AFA continuously works to normalize the conversation about infertility in the mainstream, and is confident that our Zumba(R) events will further that goal.”

About The AFA

The American Fertility Association, a 501 (c)(3) national non-profit organization, is a resource for infertility prevention, reproductive health and family building. The AFA’s services are provided to consumers and are available to everyone. These include an extensive online library, daily news, a toll-free line, and outreach events.

Media Contact:

Merry Armentrout
Director of Communications, The AFA
205-470-9406 Cell