1. St. Joseph Lions Club Thursday, April 25, 2013

2. What is Be Healthy Berrien? Be Healthy Berrien is a partnership of: Benton Harbor – St. Joseph YMCA Berrien County Health Department Lakeland HealthCare Niles – Buchanan YMCA Southwest Michigan Planning Commission United Way of Southwest Michigan The aim is to reduce/prevent obesity and chronic illness, while increasing overall health, wellness, and awareness in Berrien County.

3. Strategy Collect/analyze data related to obesity Understand causes of obesity Identify collaboration opportunities Influence systemic/environmental change

4. Current Data Obesity is defined as an individual with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. Obesity rate in Berrien County: 40% Obesity rates MI and U.S.: 32% and 36% Obesity and Overweight in Berrien County: 71% Obesity and Overweight in MI and U.S.: 67% and 69% Berrien County currently ranks 60 out of 82 in OVERALL health, according to CountyHealthRankings.org. “Areas of Focus” identified as: Adult smoking Adult obesity Physical inactivity Limited Access to healthy foods Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

5. “Healthy” Communities Community environment is one of the most influential factors in whether we eat healthy or are physically active. Rethinking and planning our communities to support healthy lifestyles is a key strategy for preventing obesity and other chronic diseases. Policy and environmental changes Building Healthy Communities Project Complete Streets Policy Initiative Changing social norms around unhealthy behaviors by making healthy lifestyles easier for residents to pursue. MAKE THE HEALTHY CHOICE THE EASY CHOICE!

6. Integrating “Health” into the Culture New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia NY, LA: Changes among some groups Philadelphia: Changes across the board Be Healthy Berrien efforts: Complete streets advocacy Outdoor gym and trail amenities Access to fresh fruits/vegetables in “food deserts” Expansion of food assistance (SNAP/Bridge/etc.) acceptance Online directory Mobile Farmers Market – Market to Go! Nutrition education Increase awareness of fitness, greenways, walkways, parks, etc. Online directory Workplace wellness programs

8. Million Mile Challenge May 6 – September 25

10. Purpose: Improve Your Health – Move! Improve Your Community – Identify! Help promote existing resources/events Help build health opportunities into our culture. Spread awareness of Be Healthy Berrien efforts Data collection Portal of communication beyond the life of the Million Mile Challenge. Our efforts will not be successful without reaching people!

11. Jessica Stauffer Office: (269) 982-1700 Cell: (269) 588-1116 Jessica@BeHealthyBerrien.org Facebook.com/BeHealthyBerrien