Backus targets childhood obesity in Plainfield
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NORWICH – The
William W. Backus Hospital Wednesday presented its second annual President’s
Award to the Plainfield Recreation Department.
The award, presented to Plainfield Recreation Director Myra Ambrogi at Backus Hospital’s annual meeting, included a $10,000 investment to help combat obesity — especially for children and their families. Backus Hospital’s new community health assessment found that obesity was the top health risk facing the region.
The funds will be used to provide a series of educational activities and workshops focusing on healthier lifestyles for elementary school children and their families.
“I am so proud of our partnership with Backus Hospital. Together we have been able to help many people live healthier lives, and we look forward to continuing this successful collaboration by targeting obesity in children,” Ms. Amrogi said. “I am very thankful the hospital’s support and confident that we will make a difference in our community.”
The program, in collaboration with other stakeholders in northeastern Connecticut, will focus on the whole family, addressing behaviors, physical activities and nutrition in schools and at home.
This isn’t the first collaboration between Backus and Plainfield. Over the past year, the Backus Education Department worked closely with the town’s Recreation Department to create Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise), a year-long pilot program that focused on healthy eating and exercise for residents of southern Windham County, where obesity levels are above the national and state averages. Based on its success, the program will be extended for a second year.
More than 100 community members have participated in the events, which have ranged from healthy eating classes to hikes along trails.
“We value partnerships — collaborations that extend and enforce our mission,” said Dave Whitehead, Backus President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are so fortunate to have found just such a wonderful partner in the Plainfield Recreation Department, and we look forward to seeing the results that our combined efforts have.”
For more information about obesity, the community health survey or the Enjoy LIFE program, visit www.backushospital.org/2010, Backus Hospital’s online annual report.