Ringgold County Public Health transitioned efforts April 1, 2012 from the two-year tobacco prevention project to additional areas that make healthy living easier. A new five-year plan includes increasing physical activity, healthy eating options, managing weight, and tobacco-free living.
Public Health will support community-level efforts to reduce chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Chronic diseases cause 7 out of 10 deaths among Iowans each year. Nearly half of adults struggle with at least one chronic illness.
“Ringgold County will give priority attention to key risk factors for heart disease and stroke including tobacco use, diet, physical activity, and managing a healthy weight,” stated Becky Fletchall, RN Nurse Administrator for Ringgold County Public Health. “In addition, we will work to improve the control of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which plays a major role in heart health.” These activities will amplify the efforts of Million Hearts™, a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States.
A search for community members affected by diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD, stroke, or other chronic illnesses is now underway. Individuals will be featured in stories to inspire others to make healthy changes. Interested persons are encouraged to contact the Public Health Office at 641-464-0691.
Ringgold County Public Health invites the community to think about how to make healthy living easier within the organizations you are involved in. To learn more about healthy options for your workplace, contact Vicki Sickels, Chris Doster, or Jennifer Hawbaker at Ringgold County Public Health office at 641-464-0691, or find information on the web at www.rcph.net.