Mayor's Column: Healthy Hometown: Resolutions

For A Happier and Healthier New Year, Join the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement

Dear Friends in Fitness,

Since its introduction in the fall of 2004, The Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement has created a community-wide culture in Louisville where physical activity and good nutrition are the norm. When it comes to increasing physical activity, eating better and adopting healthier lifestyles, Louisville businesses, organizations and individuals are saying, “Count me in!”

You can be part of the momentum and there is no better time to join the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement than right now as we begin a New Year.

As you're making out your list of resolutions, make sure you add some increased physical activity and better eating choices to make your New Year happier and healthier.

Here are some very simple ideas that can make a big difference to you and your family:

• Start moving! Even when you're watching TV or listening to music you can use hand weights, a stationary bicycle, treadmill, a stair-climber, or just stretch.
• Set realistic goals for being active. Start off slow and easy at 5-10 minutes several times a week. Over time you can gradually work yourself up to 30 minutes of activity per day.
• While it's cold, consider indoor walking courses. Go to the local mall, church, or school and walk “laps”.
• Reward yourself for being active. . . with activity. Consider a new pair of tennis shoes, bowling with family and friends, golfing, playing in the park, or going to a movie.
• Remember that fitness comes in all shapes and sizes. A healthy lifestyle looks different on each of us, depending on body frame and heredity.
• Choose the healthiest oils! Opt for low saturated oils such as canola, safflower, corn, olive, soybean, and peanut when cooking or seasoning foods. Avoid palm and coconut oils.
• Don't be afraid to use canned fruits or veggies for winter cooking. Their inclusion in recipes provides similar nutritional value and taste as using fresh or frozen items. ( www.mealtime.org )
• Enjoy family meal night. Institute at least one day each week for family meals and enjoy the benefits of improved nutrition, improved communication, stronger family ties, greater sense of identity/belonging, and improved scholastic performance.
• Eat a rainbow of produce every day. Whether fresh, frozen, dried or canned, it all counts toward your 5-9 servings.
• Incorporate some high fiber foods such as whole wheat breads, cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables. Fiber rich foods help control blood sugar levels, are low in calories, and fill you up.

The important thing is to get started! Once you do, you will be part of a Movement that has:

• grown to more than 170 partners, representing, businesses, organizations, associations and individuals dedicated to a healthier Louisville.
• developed and maintains an easily navigable and information-laden website which provides an overview of goals and tools for everyone to participate in a physical activity program; www.louisvilleky.gov/healthyhometown.
• been designated one of the 100 US Conference of Mayors' Best Practices for Healthy Cities.
• been named one of 50 finalists for the The National League of Cities Municipal Excellence Award.
• awarded more than $120,000 in grants to 22 neighborhood groups and community-minded organizations for program development and implementation that focuses on health, wellness and overall physical activity for grassroots organizations and ideas.
• developed easy one mile walking paths, known as Mayor's Miles, in four Metro Parks and we are currently expanding them into neighborhoods and public gathering places.
• developed and hosted the fun and family-oriented Healthy Hometown Hike & Bikes which have steadily grown to attract more than 2,000 participants to Waterfront Park for activity as well as an informational marketplace of nearly 20 booths and vendors.
• continued to draw 500 hikers to the Jefferson Memorial Forest each fall for the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hikes.

The really exciting part about the Healthy Hometown Movement is that it benefits everyone. As we work to get healthier, we increase our visibility as an active site for new and growing businesses. That, in turn, creates jobs and prosperity. As we all feel better and stay more productive, our overall healthcare costs decrease. We feel less stressful and take more time to enjoy all the amenities our beautiful and vibrant city has to offer.

If you haven't already, I hope you'll join with me this year as we work together to make Louisville one of the healthiest cities in the country!

Yours in good health,

Jerry E. Abramson
Mayor of Louisville