Health Department to Impact Obesity

 Obesity is among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems in Nebraska and throughout the United States.  It is for this reason that Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department is launching a new initiative called “Healthier Tomorrows” to influence healthier behaviors and prevent obesity in Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton counties.

During February of 2013, area residents were invited to participate in a survey to identify their health risks and concerns.  The results of that survey indicated that 33.9% of residents were obese, 71.7% reported eating less than the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables per day and 66% did not exercise for at least 20-30 minutes 3 times per week.  In an effort to reverse this trend, the Healthier Tomorrows initiative includes the following goals:  1).  Increase fruit and vegetable consumption; 2).  Increase physical activity; and 3). Increase the number of breastfed infants.

Some of the activities to address these goals include working with businesses to adopt healthier snack and vending options, presenting to schools on nutrition, activity and overall heart health, and educating child care providers on breastfeeding policies and assisting them with implementing strategies to support breastfeeding mothers.  In order to truly make a difference in obesity rates in the area, partnerships are being sought with businesses and organizations to reach more people and bring about change within workplaces, schools and organizations.

For more information on Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department’s Healthier Tomorrows initiative and how your business or organization can get involved, please contact Kori King at 402-529-2233.

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