Grant targeting obesity awarded to HealthNet
|
|
The New York State Department of Health awarded a five-year grant to Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc. to establish programs to prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases in Herkimer County.
The grant is for $87,500 for the first six months — October 2010-April 2011 — and $175,000 each year for the remaining period of the grant.
Obesity and diabetes are the two most critical public health threats to New Yorkers and Americans, reducing quality of life, likely shortening the life span, increasing health care costs and reducing productivity in the work place and at school.
In the United States, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased among both adults and children in the past two decades. An estimated 66 percent of adults are either overweight or obese. In 2010, poor nutrition and physical inactivity replaced cigarette use as the leading preventable causes of premature death in the US. For the first time in more than a century, the obesity and diabetes epidemics could actually lower the life expectancy of Americans.
The causes of the obesity - poor nutrition and physical inactivity - can be addressed by lifestyle changes. Grant funding is targeted to support improved nutrition and physical activity where county residents live, work and play.
Towns and villages will receive training and funding to create and improve trails, rehabilitate parks and playgrounds, and improve roadway design, zoning regulations and land use policies.
Farmers markets will be promoted and expanded to provide more access to fresh, local produce. Small convenience stores will receive support to offer more healthful food options.
Child care providers will receive assistance to improve the physical activity and nutrition opportunities available in their facilities.
###
For more information contact Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc. at 315-867-1552 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Print Version
Tell-a-Friend comments powered by Disqus
