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St. Joseph Lions Club Thursday, April 25, 2013. What is Be Healthy Berrien?. Be Healthy Berrien is a partnership of: Benton Harbor – St. Joseph YMCA Berrien County Health Department Lakeland HealthCare Niles – Buchanan YMCA Southwest Michigan Planning Commission
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St. Joseph Lions Club Thursday, April 25, 2013
What is Be Healthy Berrien? Be Healthy Berrien is a partnership of: • Benton Harbor – St. Joseph YMCA • Berrien County Health Department • Lakeland HealthCare • Niles – Buchanan YMCA • Southwest Michigan Planning Commission • United Way of Southwest Michigan The aim is to reduce/prevent obesity and chronic illness, while increasing overall health, wellness, and awareness in Berrien County.
Strategy • Collect/analyze data related to obesity • Understand causes of obesity • Identify collaboration opportunities • Influence systemic/environmental change
Current Data Obesity is defined as an individual with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. • Obesity rate in Berrien County: 40% • Obesity rates MI and U.S.: 32% and 36% • Obesity and Overweight in Berrien County: 71% • Obesity and Overweight in MI and U.S.: 67% and 69% • Berrien County currently ranks 60 out of 82 in OVERALL health, according to CountyHealthRankings.org. • “Areas of Focus” identified as: • Adult smoking • Adult obesity • Physical inactivity • Limited Access to healthy foods Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
“Healthy” Communities • Community environment is one of the most influential factors in whether we eat healthy or are physically active. • Rethinking and planning our communities to support healthy lifestyles is a key strategy for preventing obesity and other chronic diseases. • Policy and environmental changes • Building Healthy Communities Project • Complete Streets Policy Initiative • Changing social norms around unhealthy behaviors by making healthy lifestyles easier for residents to pursue. • MAKE THE HEALTHY CHOICE THE EASY CHOICE!
Integrating “Health” into the Culture • New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia • NY, LA: Changes among some groups • Philadelphia: Changes across the board • Be Healthy Berrien efforts: • Complete streets advocacy • Outdoor gym and trail amenities • Access to fresh fruits/vegetables in “food deserts” • Expansion of food assistance (SNAP/Bridge/etc.) acceptance • Online directory • Mobile Farmers Market – Market to Go! • Nutrition education • Increase awareness of fitness, greenways, walkways, parks, etc. • Online directory • Workplace wellness programs
Million Mile ChallengeMay 6 – September 25 Purpose: • Improve Your Health – Move! • Improve Your Community – Identify! • Help promote existing resources/events • Help build health opportunities into our culture. • Spread awareness of Be Healthy Berrien efforts • Data collection • Portal of communication beyond the life of the Million Mile Challenge. • Our efforts will not be successful without reaching people!
Facebook.com/BeHealthyBerrien Jessica Stauffer Office: (269) 982-1700 Cell: (269) 588-1116 Jessica@BeHealthyBerrien.org