Nike Designs Air Native N7 for Native Americans to Promote Active, Healthy Lifestyle

Nike has just announced the Air Native N7, an athletic shoe for Native Americans:

Nike today unveiled the Nike Air Native N7, a unique athletic performance shoe designed specifically for Native Americans. The Nike Air Native N7 is the result of nearly two years of collaborative research, development and fit testing in partnership with the Native American community. This first-of-a-kind performance shoe is built on a new and unique last created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot. The result is a true Native fitting, performance product.

The Nike Air Native N7 is the result of nearly two years of collaborative research, development and fit testing in partnership with the Native American community. The first-of-its-kind performance shoe is built on a new and unique last created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot. The result is a true Native fitting, performance product.

The Nike Air Native N7 marks another milestone in Nike’s long-standing commitment to Native American communities. Profits from the sale of the Nike Air Native N7 will support “Let Me Play” programs on Native American lands that leverage sport to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

As with the rest of the population, the obesity rates and consequent illnesses are of mounting concern among Native Americans. Charlotte Hofer of Indiancountry.com recently conducted an interview with Roberta Cahill of the American Cancer Society addressing cancer and other obesity-related diseases affecting Native Americans:

Charlotte Hofer: Why are our lifestyle choices so important?

Roberta Cahill: They’re crucial because we’re finding that one-third of cancer deaths could have been prevented just by making simple, healthy lifestyle changes – watching what you eat and getting enough exercise. These are things that people have control over. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to give up your favorite foods; it just means watching your portion sizes and trying to eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. Our message is moderation, not deprivation.

Hofer: How have our portion sizes changed in the past 20 years?

Cahill: Our concept of what an average portion size is has ballooned in the last 20 years! Twenty years ago, an average serving of french fries was 210 calories. Today, it’s 610 calories! That’s a 400-calorie difference! We need to start monitoring our portion sizes to make sure that we’re eating within the normal, healthy range. You can do that by going to our Web site at www.cancer.org and seeing what healthy portion sizes really are.

Hofer: Are Americans generally aware of the link between obesity and cancer?

Cahill: No. What’s scary is that Americans are dangerously unaware of the link between being overweight and cancer risk. Most people know there’s a strong connection between obesity and heart disease, but we’ve found that only 1 in 10 know the link obesity has to cancer.

Hofer: Why is it especially important for Native Americans to be aware of obesity and cancer risk?

Cahill: Cancer is the second leading cause of death for American Indians in the northern Plains, accounting for 15 percent of all deaths, according to the Northern Plains Comprehensive Cancer Control. We’re also seeing that Native American children in many areas have a higher percentage of obesity than other children. We all need to work together to really push the message that simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the chance of getting cancer, for kids and adults alike.

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