This problem has not gone unnoticed
locally. Concern for the health and well being of our children is bringing the Columbus community together to reverse these trends through the efforts of Live Healthy Columbus and the Strong 4 Life programs. The list of involved organiza- tions reads like a who’s who in healthcare roster. Live Healthy Columbus is a coalition
of more than 30 local organizations with a membership dedicated to building a better community through healthy liv- ing. Under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Zanga, Chief of Pediatrics with the Columbus Regional Health Care System, Live Healthy Columbus has focused on childhood obesity and is providing pro- grams and solutions that help children “Eat Right, Be Active, Get Support and Have Fun.” For the past year, Live Healthy Columbus has partnered with Strong 4 Life to bring these building blocks of good health to children and families in Columbus.
Strong 4 Life is a statewide initiative
focusing on childhood obesity, which is supported through a Department of Public Health grant administered by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and coordinated locally by Ellie Brooks, MEd. Unfortunately, the grant is set to expire in the fall of 2012, and Live Healthy Colum- bus will be tasked with finding ways to continue and expand the much needed Strong 4 Life activities. One of the highest priorities of health-
care in Columbus right now is to support programs to prevent childhood obesity. Live Healthy Columbus seeks to mobilize community resources to help families be more active and live healthier lives. By partnering with local government, educational and civic organizations and through support of Columbus Regional Healthcare System, St. Francis Hospital, and the Department of Public Health, thousands have been helped. Thanks to Brooks’ enthusiasm, the core messages of Strong 4 Life to empower
Women Taking Care of Women
Ruthann Rees, M.D., Ph.D. • OB/GYN Specialists of Columbus, P.C. “Committed to Quality Feminine Care”
• Urogynecology: Treatment of Urinary Incontinence
• Hysterectomy Alternatives • High and Low Risk Pregnancies
“I couldn’t ask for a kinder physician. Dr. Rees has taken care of me through 3 pregnancies and a surgery after babies as well. She takes the time to explain EVERYTHING ... I would not go to ANYONE else.”* -Susan B.
“I would recommend EVERYONE to go to Dr. Rees.”*
-Kristy M.
2000 10th Ave. Suite 380
706.324.0471
MyDrRees.com
• Vaginal Rejuvenation for Restoration of Vaginal Support • Management of Abnormal Pap • In Office Ultrasound
• In Office Minimally Invasive Surgery
Now Accepting New Patients • TriCare & Major Insurance Plans Accepted Taking Care of Women of
Ft. Benning, Columbus & Phenix City *Reviews posted online by patients of Dr. Rees
6 Valley Parent | JULY 2012
children and families to take action to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic have literally taken root. A community garden was built at the Wilson Homes, a Columbus Housing Authority develop- ment. On planting day, the residents, both children and adults, as well as Master Gardeners from the community, planted under the direction of Jennifer Davidson, Master Gardener with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. Three more
community gardens are
expected to be completed soon. The Junior Top Chef Challenge, an
interactive cooking class for children 8-12 years, was designed and taught for Girls Inc. The Columbus Youth Leadership Program with the Chamber of Commerce selected Strong 4 Life as their 2011-2012 project. High school students developed programs on nutrition and activity for each of four middle schools: Double Churches, Veterans Memorial, Eddy and Fort. A pre- and post-healthy-habit assess- ment was administered to all participants to determine the impact of the project on the students’ awareness of healthy habits. This project was so successful that it will be continued in 2012-2013. Partnerships with Parks & Recre-
ation, Boys & Girls Club, and Girls Inc. have resulted in the creation of Camp Fit 4 Fun. Mayor Tomlinson will kick off the first Camp Fit 4 Fun with a Proc- lamation for Live Healthy Columbus. Camp Fit 4 Fun will be offered three times a year at Frank D. Chester Rec- reation Center to coincide with school breaks. Camp Fit 4 Fun, for children ages 9-12, is a free, hands-on day camp
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20