“Public health plays a leading role in improving and protecting the health of a community,” said Broome County Public Health Director Claudia Edwards. “The activities of public health professionals in our community help make sure the food we are served in establishments is safe, drinking water is sanitary, immunizations for preventable diseases are administered, mothers and babies have access to prenatal/postnatal care and the community is protected frominfectious communicable diseases, pandemics and outbreaks through surveillance and epidemiologic programs.” 

 

To raise awareness about public health activities, local health departments, education institutions and public health associations are hosting community events throughout the nation. To celebrate public health, many organizations are hosting healthy heart walks, car seat checks, safety town bike helmet checks for children and educational programs focused on mothers and babies, nutrition and healthy choices.

 

For more information about National Public Health Week visit www.nphw.org. To learn more about local public health efforts, visit the Broome County Health Department webpage: www.gobroomecounty.com/hd.  

 

Acknowledging National Public Health Week and efforts to promote and maintain a healthy community, the Broome County Health Department is promoting healthy facts to enlighten the public about ways they can improve their health.

 

“The Broome County Health Department is proud to be a community partner that provides public health education and guidance to help prevent illness and improve social and environmental factors that directly impact our health and well-being,” added Broome County Public Health Director Claudia Edwards.

 

 

In 2009, the Broome County Health Department completed a Community Health Assessment which evaluated the overall health of the community through several indicators. As a result of this comprehensive analysis, it was proven that almost 25% of high school students in Broome County are either overweight or at risk for becoming overweight. This percentage is ten percent higher than the national average. According to the American Obesity Association, about 15% of adolescents (aged 12-19 years) and children (aged 6-11 years) are obese in the United States. These cohorts could be classified as the nation’s most unhealthy generations if children are not encouraged to lead active lifestyles and are not educated about healthy eating habits.

 

Obesity puts children at risk for developing serious health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, orthopedic complications, sleep apnea, depression and asthma. These conditions can become serious and will increase youth morbidity. However, these serious health conditions can be prevented and our children can live a healthy life by staying active and improving what they eat.

 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is one of many public health organizations that have published helpful suggestions to improve children’s nutrition and ways to help adolescents maintain a healthy weight.  

 

 

·      provide plenty of vegetables and fruits (5-7 servings a day), and whole-grain products

·      include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products

·      choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein

·      serve reasonably-sized portions

·      encourage your family to drink lots of water

·      limit sugar-sweetened beverages

·      limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat

Remember that small changes every day can lead to a recipe for success!

 

2.      Help Kids Stay Active!

Children and teens should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily (American Association of Pediatrics-AAP). Remember that children imitate adults. Start adding physical activity to your own daily routine and encourage your child to join you.

 

Some examples of moderate intensity physical activity include:

·      brisk walking

·      playing tag

·      jumping rope

·      playing soccer

·      swimming

·      dancing

 

3.      Reduce Sedentary Time!

In addition to encouraging physical activity, help children avoid too much sedentary time. Although quiet time for reading and homework is fine, limit the time your children watch television, play video games, or surf the web to no more than 2 hours per day. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend television viewing for children age 2 or younger.Instead, encourage your children to find fun activities to do with family members, or on their own, that simply involve more activity.