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Health group targets obesity rate
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| By: Mark J. Crawford, Editor |
October 09, 2009 |
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The Bradford County Community Health Advisory Group, still in the early stages of formation, agreed last week to begin taking on what could literally be the county's biggest problem-obesity.
Joe Pietrangelo of the Bradford and Union county health departments said Bradford County is the fattest county in the state. Forty-nine percent of adults in the county are obese, and that does not include those who are overweight but not obese, he said. Include those considered overweight and the percentage is even higher.
That's considerably higher than any other county in the state, he said.
Winnie Holland, health department director for Bradford and Union counties, said more awareness about food choice is needed. There are even healthy menu options in fast food establishments she said (ordering fruit on the side instead of french fries, for example).
It's better to let people know what their real choices are instead of just giving them a list of things they should and shouldn't eat, she said. It's not realistic to tell everyone to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, if they don't have access to those foods.
Having said that, she said there are a whole lot of people who do not know the basics of eating well, such as portion control.
If the group wants to have an impact, Holland said, addressing obesity with a message that stresses personal responsibility is an area where a dramatic impact on the overall health of the community could be made.
It's too soon for the health group to have a complete road map for how it will take on obesity in Bradford County. The group's first effort will be to pass out healthy information and snacks at the Great Pumpkin Escape. It will also be working to build membership.
At the group's prior meeting a number of areas of concern were listed, many of which were weight related, including diabetes prevention and self-management, nutrition and personal health responsibility. Even hunger can be related to obesity, Judy Perkins of the University of North Florida pointed out, since those who may not know where their next meal is coming from may overindulge when food is available or make poor quality food choices.
Other concerns included mental health, awareness of local resources, the need for more interagency communication, and access to medical care for the uninsured-another big issue for the county. The 2007 needs assessment study performed in Bradford concluded that more than 21 percent of the population was uninsured, which exceeded the state average.
Member Ross Chandler wondered out loud what effect the group could have on locally on the uninsured. It's really something government has to take on, he concluded. Referring to a recent town hall at which everyone seemed to be opposed to a public health option, Chandler said its ridiculous leaders whose health care is publicly funded cannot stop playing politics long enought provide health care for all Americans.
In the end, however, the group voted to tackle obesity with the idea that doing so would improve other areas of concern as well.
Darrell O'Neal, Steve Futch and Amy Davis were chosen to serve as officers. Lindsey Michaels of WellFlorida Council facilitated the meeting. She has worked with the committee on establishing its bylaws, structure and setting its mission.
WellFlorida helps develop critically needed programs and secure funding through grant writing, helps assess health needs in communities and serves as an umbrella for other organizations like Healthy Start and the Rural Health Partnership of North Central Florida.
The Bradford County Community Health Advisory Group will meet again on Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the public library. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to attend.
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©Bradford County Telegraph 2010
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