Delaware health coalition releases report on nutrition, obesity
The Delaware Coalition for Healthy Eating and Active Living, in partnership with the Delaware Division of Public Health, announced the online release of the first Delaware HEAL Annual Report, titled Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention Plan 2010-2014. This report, available at www.deheal.org, is a look at the efforts and progress of Delaware HEAL and its partners to reduce the prevalence of obesity and related chronic health conditions.
DPH studies show that in 2010, more than 416,000 Delaware adults - 64 percent of the adult population - were overweight or obese, a clear and startling indication that this issue and the related chronic diseases it spawns are a major health challenge for Delawareans, creating significant burdens to the economy, families and business.
“It is very sobering to know that well over half of our adult population in Delaware is overweight or obese. Obesity is a serious health limitation in itself, a condition that can and often does lead to other serious chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. We must address this problem, and in a united and strategic way.” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director.
“As the burden of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases continues to negatively impact the health of Delawareans, collaborative engagement is the key to reaching all Delawareans in the dynamic and diverse communities in our state,” said Delaware HEAL Coalition Chair Brian Rahmer.
The HEAL Coalition has increased awareness statewide as well as developed and launched the website deheal.org to further awareness and partnerships.
The annual report continues to engage joint efforts of state and local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, business leaders, healthcare providers and insurers, and education organizations to support policy, systems and environmental change strategies associated with individuals who are overweight or obese, or who have related chronic diseases.
Delaware HEAL will host the fourth annual summit, Impacting Obesity Through Policy and Environmental Changes, Thursday, March 22, in Dover to create context for conversation to raise awareness about the health impact of community design decisions. A statewide call for presentations was issued to garner local input on research, strategies and accomplishments on improving Delaware obesity and related chronic disease rates. Complimentary copies will be available at this summit, but advance review of the online report is recommended for optimal presentation. Go to deheal.org to obtain the call for presentations instructions or to learn how to register for the event.
For more information about the Delaware HEAL Coalition and/or summit registration, contact Helen Arthur at 302-744-1011.
