b'GREATER MONADNOCK COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2015-2018 Itisofteneasierandcheapertoaccesslesshealthyfoodsandconvenient and cost-effective for workplaces, restaurants, and schools beverages.In2012,lessthanathird(27%)ofCheshireCountyto purchase locally grown or fresh fruits and vegetables and limit the residentsreportedeatingtherecommendedamountoffruitsandavailability of less healthy food choices. vegetables daily.This compares to 28% of people statewide. What Are We Doing?For many, it can be challenging to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine.The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans state thatadultsshouldgetatleast150minutesofmoderateintensityThere are numerous examples of projects and programs in the Region physical activity or 75 minutes of intensive physical activity every week. focused on improving access to physical activity and healthy eating.A In 2012, 24.6% of Cheshire County residents reported meeting thesefew of these many efforts are described below and on the next page.guidelines, compared to 22.3% statewideWORKSITE WELLNESS In 2012, 24.6% of Cheshireand 21% nationwide.However, in many County residents reportedareas, the safest or most practical way to\x01The Healthy Monadnock Organizational Champions Program work to meeting physical activityaccess destinations is by automobile.make it easier for employees to adopt, improve and maintain healthy guidelines.lifestyle behaviors in the workplace and home.Healthy Monadnock OftheRegionsworkingpopulation,recruits organizations to become champions and helps those who are 25.3%travelgreaterthan25milestoalsoemployerswithworksitewellnessassessment,education, work each day, primarily by automobile.Many of these workers spendplanning, implementation and evaluation.most of their day sitting at a desk or inside an office, with little break for physical activity.While it used to be that children routinely movedYOUTH WELLNESSaroundtheirneighborhoodsandto school by foot or bicycle, fewer than 15% of school children nationwide walk or bike to school.\x01Advocates for Healthy Youth (AFHY) was formed in 2002 when pediatricians from CMC/DHK had concerns about the rising rates of Makingchangestoourbuiltandsocialenvironments,includingchildhoodobesityinourcommunity,butknewtheycouldnot neighborhoods,downtownareasorvillagecenters,workplaces,andaddress the issue alone.They needed to band together with other schools, can directly influence the level of physical activity or access topartners in the community - public schools, academic researchers, healthyfood,whichcanleadtoimprovedhealthandweightloss. municipalities,business,andindustryandcitizens-tomakea Examplesofenvironmentalchangesincludelocatingparksanddifference.Asacommunitybasedcoalition,AFHYdevelops recreation centers along routes that can be accessed safely via walking,education, intervention and prevention programs and provides a bicycling, or riding the bus where transit is available; organizing walkingvoice at the local and state level on critical policy issues important schoolbusesorimplementSafeRoutestoSchoolactionplanstoto childrens health. promotesafewalkingandbikingopportunitiestoschool;makingit 43'