National Public Health Week Will Launch ‘Walk Around Newtown’

By John Voket

The Newtown Health District and Health District Director Donna Culbert are reminding residents that the week of April 6 is National Public Health week.

“Our nation’s health is in poor shape, even though we spend more on health care than any other country,” Ms Culbert told The Bee. “In light of this, National Public Health Week 2009 raises awareness nationally and locally of public health’s critical role in restoring and ensuring a healthy America. Building a healthy nation will require changes in how we protect and promote health in our community.”

With that in mind, Ms Culbert and the Health District are ready to bring this national issue right into Newtown’s local neighborhoods.

“Remember, public health affects you in every aspect of your life, from the clean water that you drink to the properly functioning new or repaired septic system that you use, to the licensed and inspected food service establishments and grocery stores that you frequent, to the tracking and investigation of infectious disease outbreaks, the investigation of lead poisoned children in our community, follow-up on complaints, nuisances and hazards, health promotion and health education activities regarding tick-borne disease prevention, heart health, radon, flu shot clinics, food safety at community events, emergency preparedness and substance abuse prevention,” she said. “It’s the collaborative relationships with our community partners that help our efforts work effectively.”

April 8, in the middle of National Public Health Week, is the American Heart Association’s Start! Walking Day.

“You are encouraged to wear your sneakers to work and get in at least 30 minutes of walking that day,” Ms Culbert said. “If you can’t get a full and uninterrupted 30 minutes, three 10-minute sessions of walking will do.”

The health director recommends residents visit the American Heart Association’s web page dedicated to the subject at www.startwalkingnow.org.

“Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity,” Ms Culbert said. “It’s the simplest positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health.”

To keep the community moving in the right direction, the Newtown Health District is working with some of its local partners, particularly the Parks &Recreation Department, Newtown Police Department, the Newtown GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Department, Newtown schools, the Newtown Senior Center, and a local physician by developing mapping for distribution to identify walking routes to help Newtowners get out and “Walk Around Newtown.”

This work is being accomplished with the assistance of federal block grant funds allocated specifically to help increase physical activity and reduce obesity.

“More information regarding that project will be coming soon in cooperation with The Newtown Bee, and you can look forward to the grand opening of the Fairfield Hills trail on May 2,” Ms Culbert said, adding, “Please be aware, when you walk and hike our beautiful trails and Newtown landscape, and protect yourself from tick bites and look for ticks on yourself, your family and your pets.”

Visit www.nphw.org for more information.