Obesity is one of the most pressing health issues in the state of Michigan, with two-thirds of adults and one-third of children either being overweight, or obese.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released its Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Plan Progress Report 2012-2015. The report summarizes the progress to prevent and control obesity, reduce chronic disease and build a stronger, healthier state, states the department.
The report shows how the $1.7 million in state funds and the $3.5 million earned in federal grants have helped the 4 x 4 Plan reach 2 million children and adults in Michigan. The department also states that over the years, the plan has made progress with childhood and adult obesity rates leveling off, moving the state from the fifth to the sixteenth most obese state in the nation.
“Despite positive efforts that are making a change, obesity continues to be a public health risk in Michigan,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “Many Michiganders spend a good portion of our day at work and school. We need to make sure these places are making the healthy choice the easy choice for children and adults."
The plan promotes prevention through healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, regular physical exams and encourages the tracking of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood clucose and body weight.
The department says these prevention efforts have been supported by three major initiatives, including a multi-media public awareness campaign, local coalition communities to improve opportunities to access healthy food and safe places for physical activity, and the 4 x 4 Partnership which promotes healthy workplaces and wellness at work.
“Most people in the workforce spend half their day and consume nearly half their daily calories at work,” said Nick Lyon, director of the MDHHS. “I am glad to see 4 x 4 Partners leading the way by making changes at their own workplaces and promoting proven strategies elsewhere across the state to make it easier for Michigan workers to make a healthier choice while at their job.”
According to a release, more than 34,000 Michigan adults have taken the MI Healthier Tomorrow pledge to live healthier lifestyle at www.michigan.gov/healthiertomorrow.
To learn more about the health and wellness efforts, click here.
