Helping Westchester County residents choose a healthier
lifestyle is an important goal of Westchester County.
Now, through a partnership between the Westchester County Department
of Health and the 16 hospitals in Westchester, we are working together
to promote and improve the health of all Westchester residents through
the New York State Prevention Agenda.
The two Prevention Agenda goals that we will tackle together are chronic
diseases and physical activity/nutrition.
We plan to come up with creative ways to encourage residents to
reduce their sodium consumption, exercise more
and eat healthier. Together, the Westchester
County Department of Health and the hospitals will develop and promote
programs and offer information to residents to help achieve these
objectives. Check back here throughout the coming months for information
on new programs and activities to help you stay on track with your own
nutritional and fitness goals.
 Helping
residents live healthier is why the Westchester County Board of
Health banned oils containing trans-fats from being used in
eating
establishments in Westchester starting on April 9, 2008.
|
Helping
residents live healthier is why the Westchester County Board of
Legislators passed a law that on May 12, 2009 will require chain
restaurants
to post calorie counts on their menus and menu
boards. |
|
Helping
residents live healthier is also why, throughout the year, the
Westchester County Department of Health partners with community
organizations to promote good nutrition and exercise and offer
health screenings at community events. In this way, we help
residents determine whether they have or are at risk for chronic
diseases such as diabetes and heart disease so residents can
learn how to reduce their risks and get any needed help.
|
In March, the Westchester County Department of Health
also encourages families to participate in No Junk Food Week. We ask
students to sign a pledge promising to eat healthy snacks instead of
junk food for one week. And there’s no reason parents can’t join in,
too. To avoid the urge to snack, get off the couch and get moving, do a
craft project or keep your jaw busy chewing on carrot or celery sticks.
Sample pledge forms and other materials are
available here.
To see how Westchester's campaign fits in with the statewide initiative
for a Healthy New York,
visit the NY State Prevention Agenda.
View how the health of Westchester residents ranks against
Prevention Agenda goals.
See
how healthy
Westchester residents
are in general. |
