ABOUT STEPS TO A HEALTHIER LUZERNE COUNTY

Statistics show that people in our region have alarmingly high rates of diabetes, asthma and obesity. Not surprisingly, poor diet, tobacco use and lack of exercise are the main culprits.

Unfortunately, these health issues also affect the health of our county as a whole. Poor school attendance, less productive employees and chronically ill patients are just a few of the results.

However, there is good news.

In 2004, the Pennsylvania Department of Health was one of seven states to be awarded a Department of Health and Human Services grant to participate in a national program called Steps To A HealthierUS. The Pennsylvania Department of Health selected Luzerne County as one of three counties to participate. This five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control is aimed at reducing diabetes, asthma and obesity in our community by addressing common risk factors such as nutrition, physical activity and tobacco use.

Locally, our initiative is called Steps to a HealthierPA Luzerne County. We support enhancing and expanding partnerships to offer programs, activities, guidance, training and education that promote healthier lifestyles throughout the community.

Steps to a HealthierPA Luzerne County has the potential to change our communities for the better. Our integrated approach to promoting healthier lifestyles is the first effort of its kind in our region. It is a targeted plan to reduce our high incidence of diabetes, asthma and obesity diseases that are often painful, costly and affect quality of life.

Find out more about Steps to a HealthierPA Luzerne County by calling (570) 408-1630. To find out more visit,  www.smallstep.gov, www.smokefree.gov, www.mypyramid.gov, and www.HealthierUs.gov, www.cdc.gov/steps, or contact any one of our many partners listed here working together to help you take your "first step" to a healthier tomorrow.