Communit-"e" Matters E-Newsletter - Health Issue_Sept 2012

A P EEK IN SID E

10 Characteristics of a Healthy City - p.2 How to Make Healthy Changes in your Neighborhood - p.3

e

Secrets of Happy, Healthy Families - p.5

CommunitMatters e health

leadership

business

Health Issue Fall 2012

community

-newsletter

of your neighborhood? When you can escape for a few, check out page 3, the section on a ‘Healthy Community’ and see how your street measures up.

In this edition, once again, we expand upon the topic of Health. Whether the information is about our City, neighborhoods, schools, workplace, the family, or you…it’s all covered here.

Inside you will encounter information, all related to the global concept of health, that is easily accessed with just a ‘click of the mouse’.

Designed to accommodate your busy lifestyle, we’ve embedded links into the brief topic summaries so that when you have an extra moment, at your leisure, you can invest a little more time to read on. For example, did you know that there are specific criteria that impact the health

As always, a hearty thanks to all of those who visited our parks or participated in our programs. This past summer marked our strongest season on record. As we enter fall, I encourage you to go out and hike in one of Virginia’s great state parks during the height of color. A walk in the crisp autumn air, along with a cup of warm cider, is truly the best way to immerse yourself in the splendor of the season.

Wel com e B ack!

Has it been a year already? Wow, how the time flies. One year ago, the Department of Parks and Recreation developed this quarterly electronic newsletter as a platform to inform our residents and promote our services. Along with the Department’s Tuesday e-newsletters, facebook, the MOSAIC, MOSAIC Extra, the Community Matters Messenger and the Community Matters Blog, this quarterly newsletter is another resource to keep you informed and engaged in all the things we believe continue ® SHAPING THE FUTURE .

We can’t stress enough how ‘stress’ negatively impacts your health. On page 4 learn more about how rest can help you reduce your personal stress. If you thought your stress was ‘your own’, think again! How you carry your stress also impacts your family but don’t worry, page 5 will provide some pointers on how to manage stress for a healthy family. Your office Communit-e Matters e-newsletter has engaged is also a prime ‘stressor’. On page 7, see if your work environment is as healthy as it can be. the reader with thoughtful and relevant information on one of four topics: Health, LeaderLooking forward, the next issue will once ship, Business, and Community. We hope you again speak to Leadership in our Community have found them to be useful, engaging, timely, and how all of us have a hand in SHAPING THE ® and resourceful.

FUTURE .

Best,

Catherine

Catherine Morretta, Director

2

healthy CITY

Good Jobs Healthy Cities

More and more, in non-traditional ways, local

governments

developers

to

are

promote

leveraging good

jobs.

Community Benefit Agreements, like the one the City of Los Angeles, California implemented, requires developers to address community concerns such as parks and housing. This is just one of eight steps identified to make cities healthier. {CLICK

HERE

FOR

MORE}

Health & Economic Development Here is a long, but worthwhile read, on the ‘Influence of Health on Economic Growth.’

This working paper, by Jocely Finaly, from the Harvard Initiative for Global Health, speaks to the indirect effect of health on economic development through a worldwide view using three key variables:

10

Characteristics of a

Healthy City

What does it mean to YOU to have a healthy city? Is it more than trees and farmers markets?

You bet it is. From fixed transit to mixed use neighborhoods, Sustainable City News provides the Top Ten Characteristics of a Healthy City.

Give them a review and see how Manassas Park lines up! {CLICK HERE}

growth, education, & fertility.

The results show that the indirect effect of health is positive and significant.

Without recognition of the indirect role of health, the economic benefits of health improvements are underestimated. If you agree that ‘good transportation Intrigued? {CLICK HERE TO READ ON}. policy’ should take into account

Healthy Transportation?

people’s health and well being, then {CLICK HERE} to read further.

air quality

Promoting Health and Public Transportation water quality

Poor air quality directly impacts a communities overall health, endangers the very young and old, contributes to climate change, and damages natural resources. {CLICK HERE} to read more about the ‘air you breathe’ in Virginia.

Clean water is essential. Water quality degrades when toxic chemicals, biological waste, sediment, and excess nutrients flow into rivers, streams, wetlands, and costal waters. {CLICK HERE} to see how Virginia is doing.

In Manassas Park, just like many other communities, the only way many residents can access essential services, like health care or schools, or non-essential services, such as shopping, is to hop in a car or catch a bus.

It’s no secret, health in many communities is suffering.

Discover how promoting a transportation policy makes for a ‘healthful’ community. {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

healthy COMMUNITY What is a Healthy Community?

Elements that were identified in the 2010 Healthy People Strategy, that enable people to maintain a high quality of life and productivity include: access to healthy care services that focus on both treatment and prevention for all members of the community; a safe community; the presence of roads, schools, playgrounds and other services; and a healthy safe environment. {CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

3

How to Make Healthy Changes in Your Neighborhood Your neighborhood is just that...yours!

You

can

make

healthy

changes

to

your neighborhood. It’s easy, rewarding, and you’ll be better for it.

To read

more about making your community healthy, {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}.

America’s Healthiest City for Women...

Hea l th y Neighb orhoods Have. . .

Sarasota, Florida, has a neat project: Community Health Improvement Partnership (C.H.I.P). C.H.I.P. looks to improve the overall health of a community by focusing on neighborhoods. Did you know healthy neighborhoods have:

Safer street designs

Crime can be prevented with street lighting, especially at bus stops, and building features like porches and street-level windows that make it easier for residents to watch outdoor areas.

A safer way for people to travel that gives them the benefit of exercise and does not cause air pollution.

Wide sidewalks keep pedestrians away from car traffic. Well-marked crosswalks let drivers know that pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections.

Lighting and “neighborhood visibility” Bicycle lanes

Intergenerational Activities

Creating a strong sense of community and an appreciation for the contribuChildren and adults can exercise and tions and needs of all age groups. neighbors can talk to each other and solve common problems. {CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

Parks & playgrounds

Does such a place exist?

You bet!

Women’s Health Magazine compiled its latest list of healthiest cities and designated Raleigh, North Carolina, as the best place to ‘live as a woman’. Even though we think Manassas Park is a pretty great choice, read more {HERE} to discover how they arrived at this decision.

FARMERS MARKETS

If you are looking for healthy, local choices, that support the local agriculture economy, and reduce your carbon footprint, then look no further than your nearest Farmers Market. What is so great about Farmers Markets you ask? Farmers Markets not only give you an opportunity to meet face to face with those who produce the food, but it also allows you to improve your diet and nutrition by having access to FRESH food! By meeting the local farmers, you can learn how your vegetables are grown and meat produced as well as the production and origin of the food. Plus, they can be a source of information and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients. {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE} about Farmers Markets.

4

healthy YOU Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

No time to exercise?

Check out these 10 tips to live a healthier lifestyle from our friends across the ‘big pond’:

1. Eat Beets.

2. Think outside of the box.

3. Don’t take the biscuit.

4. Embrace Good Health {CLICK HERE FOR MORE}.

Sun Protection

Did you know that skin cancer affects more than 1 million people each year in the United States? Did you know that skin cancer and other ultra-violet exposure maladies are largely preventable? {CLICK HERE} to read more about ways you can protect yourself from the damaging effects of the sun.

Rest

No time for exercise...no kidding! Don’t stress. If you can manage to squeeze in 30 minutes every single day, it’s all you need to get you on the right path to a healthier lifestyle. Don’t have 30 minutes? You can get the same benefits by dividing up those 30 minutes into 10 or 15 minute segments during the day.

The American Heart Association offers advice to get you active at home, at work, and at play. Take your dog or child on a walk, take the stairs, park and walk, dance and much more! What are you waiting for? {CLICK HERE} to learn different ways that can help you get more active.

Positive

Rest is essential for physical health. We all need time to recover and recuperate so we can be at our best. {CLICK HERE} to enjoy this post, The Lost Practice of Resting One Day Each Week, from Joshua Becker.

and

Active

Aging

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Straight from the American Heart Association, “adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and is critical to managing the disease. It’s also imperative to normalizing your critical health numbers, including weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol.” {CLICK HERE} to make your choice.

No news here, folks...we are all getting older.

Aging is a complex process but doesn’t have to be feared! An active lifestyle has many benefits. You can gain more independence, prevent poor health, and keep your mind active. {CLICK HERE} to read about how you can embrace the aging process through positive and active aging.

healthy FAMILY

5

What is a healthy family?

We all want what is best for family. Healthy families share this lifestyle through diet, exercise and communication. If you are looking for ways to optimize growth in children or quality of life for seniors, then read on {HERE}.

Does your cat get a seat at the table for all family dinners? Does FIDO have a reserved space in your bed at night? Well don’t fret, you are not alone. In this recent poll, Americans consider pets part of the family too. {CLICK HERE}

Happy, Healthy

Secrets of

Americans Consider Pets as Part of the Family.

Families

Do you ‘snuggle’? How about singing alone with your kids? Do you provide ‘smart snacks’ for your family? These secrets, from Parents Magazine, may not be ‘secrets’, but a quick refresher may recharge your family time. {CLICK HERE} to view the slide show.

With all the many demands we all face to raise a family and provide for the

Managing Stress for a household, it’s no wonder, at times it can all seem like too much to manage.

Healthy Family

Children model their parents behavior, including those related to managing stress and if you deal with stress in an unhealthy way, guess what...so will your kids. {CLICK HERE} to discover how you can Manage Stress for Healthy Family.

We all know that it is hard finding time to make healthy choices, with school, homework, friends and even afterschool activities. Dr. OZ put together a list of 25 tips to get you on the right track for a healthier YOU. You will be amazed at how easy it is to incorporate these changes.

Realize that you control what goes into your body Realize that it's never too late to start adopting healthy habits Walk 10,000 steps a day (sounds like a lot but you do most of it at school!)

Have one buddy who shares your ideals about living a healthy lifestyle Avoid known toxins

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIPS!}

6

healthy WORKPLACE

How to Stay Healthy and Stress Free in Your Office Job We discussed how to better manage stress with your family, but what about at the office? Something as simple as the way you sit at your desk can affect your health. Posture has a serious affect on how you carry stress. To learn more, {CLICK HERE}.

A Healthy Office, A Healthy Mind?

Feng Shui...Feng You! Does using

the interior design process based on Feng Shui help conquer stress in the workplace and make your office space healthier? Feng Shui is a powerful way of making a positive change. It is the Chinese term for "wind and water". Feng Shui is based on the premise that all of our surroundings have an influence on our lives. By altering how the energy flows, you can promote happiness and a stress free environment. {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

How Healthy is your office?

What’s your company’s ‘wellness score’? New research shows that some employers are starting to offer more incentives to motivate workers to live a healthier lifestyle. Inc. Magazine developed this measure to help you evaluate whether your office makes the grade. {CLICK HERE} to take the quiz.

Setting Up Your Office for Health There are measures you can take to help stave off problems that may arise

Do You Work in a “Healthy Of�ice”?

With over 1/3 of your day spent in the workplace, it’s important to make sure the office is a ‘healthful’ environment. How does your office measure up? {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

8 Healthy Office Snacks

It’s hard trying to eat right when you are on a deadline or have a to do list that keeps getting longer. Keep your metabolism charged and energy level high with these snacks.

1. Whole Wheat Crackers & Peanut Butter

from a workplace that is off-balance

2. Fruit

and not conducive to your good health

3. Popcorn with Parmesan

and well being. {CLICK HERE} to learn,

4. Nuts

with out much effort or expense, how to set your office up for health.

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

healthy SCHOOLS

Back to School Calendar

It’s no secret to those of us that live or work in Manassas Park, that green schools make a huge difference.

7

It’s an ‘oldie, but a goodie’, written

in 2006, this document effortlessly speaks to the costs and benefits of investing in green technologies to build healthy, high performing schools. {CLICK HERE}

Training Tools for Healthy Schools

Healthy Schools Program

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation

We’ve given you information on trans-

supports more than 14,000 schools

portation and health, economic devel-

across the United States in their

opment and health, your office space

efforts to create environments where

and

physical activity and healthy eating

between health and academic success?

are accessible and encouraged. Check

Yep, you guessed it - it exists and our

out their web site {HERE}. Its chock-full

schools play a critical role in promoting

of

great

information

the health and safety of young people.

to

ways

you

healthier

choices

can in

and

access

advocate your

for

schools.

health...how

{CLICK

HERE}

to

about

the

explore

link

some

Training Tools for Healthy Schools.

It’s September and school is back in session. {CLICK HERE} to access the 2012 - 2013 school year calendars.

Tips for Talking to Kids about Weight You’ve noticed your teen has put on weight. Maybe it did not happen overnight, but now you’ve got to get to the heart of the matter. How do you start that conversation? Here are 9 tips you can try to get this life changing conversation started. {CLICK HERE}

Shape of the Nation Report In this report, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and the American Heart Association looked at the ‘Status of Physical Education in the USA’. If you think P.E. class in local schools is just about playing in the school yard, you’d be mistaken. It’s a long read, but when nearly 33% of our school aged youth are overweight, it’s an enlightening and worthwhile read. {CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE ‘SHAPE OF THE NATION REPORT’}

Elementary School Students Use Video Games for fitness

What do you get if you add one Nintendo Wii video game system to a Pittsburg elementary school? A fun and engaging way to attack the fat! {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}. Way to go kids!

DC Healthy Schools Act In 2010 the District of Columbia Council passed the ‘Healthy Schools Act’. This law is designed to

improve

the

health

and

wellness

of

students attending D.C. public and charter schools.

Check out the many ways D.C. is making it a priority to engage their children in healthy opportunities and healthy choices. {CLICK HERE}

Parks & Recreation

8

Best Swimming Workout

Outdoor Recreation Recreation isn’t just about basketball and firework shows. A large component of professional recreation is delivered through outdoor recreation and adventure activities.

From America’s immense national parks, to urban

green spaces, the great outdoors provides the perfect place to rest, exercise,

The Manassas Park Community Cen-

{CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

ters Natatorium is the perfect place

bond with a family, or reconnect with nature.

to lose body fat in the pool.

{CLICK

How Cities Use Parks for Arts and Cultural Programs

HERE} to find out how you can burn

This article from the American Planning Association discusses the relationship

low impact environment.

fat, trim inches and get stronger in a

between urban parks and arts and cultural programs. Mental health and wellbeing are important components to overall life quality and exposure to arts and cultural {CLICK HERE} to read more.

activities contributes mightily to this end.

Economic Benefits of Recreation, Tourism and Open Space

Living Well: The Benefits of Leisure for People with Disabilities

The State of Virginia Department of

According to the article, ‘Living Well’,

Conservation and Recreation has made

the

available a document that discusses the

People with Disabilities”, 27% of indi-

Economic Benefits of Recreation, Tour-

viduals with disabilities report that

ism and Open Space.

they

Did you know

Benefits

are

less

of

Leisure

satisfied

with

for

life

parks and open space increase the

than individuals without disabilities.

value of nearby properties or that

One way to contribute to someone’s

attract businesses and trained employ-

overall satisfaction is through the

ees in search of a high quality of life?

pursuit {CLICK

We did! {CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE}

of recreation and HERE TO READ

Benefits of an Active Lifestyle We shared some commentary from the Brits, now we have a neat presentation from our friends to the north, the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability.

The message is universal, the content is beneficial. Continue to the presentation {HERE}.

Why Exercise IN the Water?

Continual resistance to the coolancy effect of water, is just one of the many

benefits

to

exercising

in

{CLICK HERE} to read

the water.

this quick brief by Bucknell University leisure.

MORE} on the benefits of swimming.

What Americans Seek Through Recreation What do you like to do in your free time?

What are you

looking for in your recreational pursuits?

Does

convenience

matter? How about the choice to participate alone or with others?

Check

out

this

great

article

on the Role of Recreation in American Society. {CLICK HERE}