[Press Release] : Healthy Lifestyles Survey: Citizens asked to participate as health department works toward a healthier community

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Stacia Reilly, Health Educator - (573) 874-6345,
srreilly at GoColumbiaMo.com 
or Maureen Coy, Health Educator - (573) 874-7559 or
mkc at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Citizens asked to participate as health department works toward a
healthier community

COLUMBIA, MO (March 24, 2009) - The Columbia/Boone County Department of
Public Health & Human Services launched an online survey as part of its
ongoing collaboration with MU Extension’s Healthy Lifestyle
Initiative. Boone County residents are asked to complete the short
survey with questions about physical activity and food. The survey can
be accessed on the city of Columbia's Web site, www.GoColumbiaMo.com,
and will be open to the public until April 17. The survey takes
approximately five minutes to complete.

The goal of the Healthy Lifestyle Initiative is to create a healthy
community that supports the availability of healthy, affordable,
locally-produced food and safe, accessible physical activity. Survey
information will also be used in a current health department project to
develop a community-wide plan to address the obesity epidemic. Last
year, the health department surveyed community agencies to see what
services and programs are available related to physical activity and
healthy eating. The current phase of the work involves obtaining
information from county residents to assess community needs and further
direct local planning to improve the health of the community and reduce
overweight and obesity. National statistics show the 2007 Missouri
obesity rate for adults at 27.5 percent with all of these individuals at
increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some forms of
cancer. Additionally, the National Initiative for Children’s
Healthcare Quality indicates 31 percent of Missouri children ages 10-17
are overweight or obese.

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