Obesity Prevention
We have many programs and services targeted to lowering
obesity rates in our service area. Obesity is among the most common, costly and
preventable of all health problems in Nebraska and throughout the U.S. It is for this reason that reducing obesity
is a top priority for our health department.
Between January and February of 2016, area residents were
invited to take part in a survey to identify their health risks and concerns.
The results of that survey showed that 39.4% of ELVPHD service area residents
were obese (the National average is also at 33.9% according to the U.S.
Department of Health & Human Service’s Healthy People 2020 data 2005-2008).
This is an increase from the previous survey, where only 33.9% were obese.
However, other surveys show no significant change in the obesity rates for the
area. The Healthy People 2020 target is to reduce the proportion of Americans
who are obese from 33.9% to 30.5% (a 10% reduction by 2020).
In addition to healthy weight statistics, 71% of our
residents also reported eating less than the recommended servings of fruit and 11.5%
reported eating no vegetables on an average day. Also, 72% did not exercise for
at least 20-30 minutes more than 3 times per week (2016 CHA). To improve these
statistics, Obesity was named Priority 1 on ELVPHD’s Community Health
Improvement Plan and the following goals were created:
1. Increase fruit
and vegetable consumption;
2. Increase
physical activity.
Some of ELVPHD’s activities to improve obesity rates
include: 1) working with businesses to
choose healthier snack and vending options, 2) presenting to schools on
nutrition, activity and overall heart health, and 3) enhance community planning
and design practices through the support for the development of parks and
walking trails, etc. To truly make a difference in obesity rates in the area,
we often partner with businesses and groups to reach more people and bring
about change within workplaces, schools and organizations. Please contact us if you would like to learn
more about the programs and services available.
Walking is a simple way to move towards a healthier
lifestyle. To help make it easier,
ELVPHD mapped out some common routes in most of the towns in our service
area. These maps show the route,
distance and information about the approximate completion time for each
route. Click on your community below to
check out the map for your town!
Battle Creek
Beemer
Decatur
Lyons
Madison
Newman Grove
Norfolk
Norfolk Area Trail Map
Oakland
Stanton
Tekamah
West Point
Wisner
Updated 3/13/2017