Group seeks to improve lifestyle habits

Local News

August 31, 2010

Nearly 50 join Creating a Healthier Laurel County initiative

By Tara Kaprowy Staff Writer The Sentinel-Echo Tue Aug 31, 2010, 08:26 AM EDT

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — With officials becoming increasingly concerned about the area’s health, a group of stakeholders has formed a new committee, “Creating a Healthier Laurel County.”

The group of nearly 50 met for the first time last month and carved out its objectives. The first is to “better educate the community on healthier eating habits,” said Mark Hensley, executive director of the Laurel County Health Department.

The group, whose members are doctors, dietitians, nurses, school officials, public health officials and members of the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce, also hopes to promote physical activity in the community.

At the meeting, attendees divided into break-out sessions and focused on answering these questions: “What are three of the greatest challenges we face as a community in regards to obesity,” “What factors inhibit physical activity for Laurel Countians,” “What community resources are already in existence that can be better utilized in prevention of obesity” and “How can this coalition encourage healthier food choices in our community?”

The answers are being analyzed and will act as a starting point when the group next meets.

Brandi Gilley, registered dietitian, was inspired by the meeting.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” she said. “We’ve not gone through all the responses during the break-out sessions, but, from what we gathered, the individuals that were there really feel we need to focus on parents, as well as children ... The consensus was involving education with parents and children to try to build better family lifestyle habits.”

Hensley said their efforts are timely.

“Everybody is really concerned about the risks associated with obesity,” he said.

Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.

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