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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, Communications Director 608-266-1683
It's A Matter
of Fact: Good Nutrition and Physical Activity for Better Health
MADISON - March is Nutrition Month, and state health officials are
reminding everyone that a healthy diet and being physically active are
important contributors to overall health.
"Poor diet and inactive lifestyles lead to overweight and obesity,
which increase the risk of many diseases and conditions such as heart
disease, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Sheri Johnson,
State Health Officer.
Johnson said that everyone should consider the following steps for
better nutrition and improved health:
- Work with others in your community. Communities have many
voices that can work together to advocate for health promoting land
use, and increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Help create a culture of wellness in schools. Schools play a
critical role in promoting student health, preventing childhood
obesity, and combating problems associated with poor nutrition and
physical inactivity. Use the criteria from the Governor's School
Health Award to advocate for the creation of school wellness councils
to support the implementation of school wellness policies that improve
food and beverage choices and opportunities for physical activity.
- Participate in worksite wellness programs. Changes in the
work environment may include labeling healthy choices in the
cafeteria, providing healthier food choices in vending machines,
flexible time to be active during the day, and conducting health risk
assessments.
- Your food and physical activity choices affect your health and
how you feel now and in the future. Choose fruits and vegetables,
whole-grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and fish.
Many Wisconsin families can get free or reduced price food. The
FoodShare and WIC programs help thousands of people buy the food they
need for good health. To see if you are eligible, visit www.access.wi.gov.
- Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular
physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness.
Adults should try to get at least 30 minutes and children at least 60
minutes of physical activity on five or more days each week.
- Eating right doesn't have to be complicated. Use www.mypyramid.gov
to develop a personalized plan and help you make smart food choices
for lifelong health.
- Play it safe with food. Prepare, handle and store food
properly to keep you and your family safe.
"An investment in a healthier lifestyle now can improve the
quality of life for individuals, and as an added benefit, it can reduce
health care costs for society at large," Johnson said.
Learn more by visiting: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/health/physicalactivity/index.htm.
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Last Revised: March 19, 2008 |
