$10K Grant Helps Stratford Fight Obesity

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County Supports Get Healthy CT with $10K Grant to Fight Obesity

Regional coalition works to eliminate the barriers to healthy eating and physical activity

January 15, 2014 – Recognizing that obesity is a significant problem both nationally and locally, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has awarded $10,000 to Get Healthy CT (http://www.GetHealthyCT.org), a coalition whose mission is to eliminate obesity. Get Healthy CT works collaboratively with key stakeholders in the greater Bridgeport region to remove the barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. More than 100 large and small businesses and nonprofit and community organizations have joined the coalition to date, along with individuals and families, too. Funding will be used to generate greater awareness of Get Healthy CT and the free resources available on its website, GetHealthyCT.org.

“Health impacts every aspect of people’s lives and we know that the good health of individuals and families helps build stronger communities,” explained Cathy DeCesare, Chief Strategic Officer, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. “Our goal is to support community based efforts to help children in need and their families stay physically, socially and emotionally healthy. Get Healthy CT is the ideal partner for us to have a significant impact on the region’s health and well-being.”

When joining Get Healthy CT, members commit to two simple pledges: a Healthy Eating Pledge and a Physical Activity Pledge. Get Healthy CT also has created the Step It Up campaign, which encourages people to take the stairs whenever possible or find other no-cost ways to incorporate walking into their daily routines. The pledges and the free Step It Up resources are available online at http://www.GetHealthyCT.org.

Get Healthy CT has created a user-friendly website that offers easy, no cost tips and low cost resources on how to support and maintain healthy eating and physical activity. Visitors will find articles about how eating affects diabetes and pregnancy, healthier grilling tips, and the top 10 foods to avoid as well as lists of local gyms, YMCAs, community centers, parks, biking and walking trails, and much more. A calendar listing upcoming events related to eating well and getting active is updated regularly. GetHealthyCT is also on Facebook, offering healthy eating and easy exercise ideas.

Obesity in the Region:

The obesity rates in the United States and greater Bridgeport region are increasing due to a myriad of factors such as portion sizes, food choices, lack of convenient supermarkets in neighborhoods, consumer advertising, food costs, and more sedentary lifestyles. Likewise, it is clear that obesity contributes to other serious health complications including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, to name a few. According to the Greater Bridgeport Community Health Assessment (March 2013), survey respondents in Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull report obesity rates ranging from 16% to 32%.

“Reversing the regional obesity trends is essential to our physical and fiscal well-being and requires a major community-based effort over time,” stated Lyn Salsgiver, Senior Vice President, Planning & Marketing, Bridgeport Hospital, on behalf of Get Healthy CT. “This generous funding from United Way of Coastal Fairfield County will enable us to reach deeper into the community and help residents get on and stay on the path to being healthy and living well.”

To learn more and join Get Healthy CT, visit http://www.GetHealthyCT.org.