Down to Earth 2016
Did you know that Tennessee is one of the best places in America to live and work but for the past two decades it has been ranked among the 10 least healthy states?
This is because preventable behavior-related chronic diseases in our state are at record highs. Studies indicate that one in four adults smoke, about 31 percent of our population is classified as obese, and nearly one-third report not engaging in any regular physical activity.
Leading a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to spend too much time, money, or effort. All it takes is small, simple, affordable steps. The Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness launched the Healthier Tennessee Communities initiative in 2015 with a three-fold objective — to encourage Tennesseans to be more active, eat healthier, and not use tobacco.
Syrena Flowers
Memphis Parent spoke to Syrena Flowers, West TN director of Healthier TN Communities, to learn more about this program.
MP: How has the Healthier TN Communities program grown to improve the health trends of the state? It was expanded recently with the launch of Healthier TN Neighborhoods in Memphis. How is this urban program different from the Communities initiative?
We started our Healthier TN Communities program with nine pilot communities across the state. These pilots were tasked with forming a wellness committee in their communities, having three initiatives around nutrition, three encouraging physical activity, and one around sustaining from using tobacco. Three years later, we now have 105 communities all working toward the same goals. We have seen obesity levels in the state go down and physical activity among residents increase.
The Healthier TN Neighborhoods program is very similar to the community effort, but scaled to a neighborhood approach. Participating neighborhoods form a wellness committee and implement two nutrition, two physical activity, and one tobacco initiative through their neighborhood. Recognizing that change happens at the local level first, approaching Tennessee’s biggest cities neighborhood by neighborhood is likely to have the greatest impact in our metropolitan areas.
Out of the 105 communities taking part in the program, 46 have received the Healthier Tennessee designation. What does it take to gain this recognition?
Once a community fills out the initial application, they have one year to work toward designation and complete the program requirements. In addition to the ones mentioned earlier, we are looking for communities who also engage workplaces, places of worship, and area schools in these efforts to truly make it a community-wide effort. Once their final application showcasing their work throughout the year is received and reviewed, the community is invited to a ceremony with the governor where they are recognized as a Healthier TN Community.
Something new for 2018 is the Tier Designation Model. Now communities will have to opportunity to not only be designated but designated at a bronze, silver or gold based on specific measures. Once one level is achieved, the community can then work to achieve the next level.
What are some of the programs available through the Healthier TN website? How can the Streaks for Small Starts app help individuals get healthy on the go?
Through its website, the foundation is offering Small Starts, Small Starts @Work, Small Starts @Worship, and Small Starts for Families.
Streaks for Small Starts is our free app made to help you make easy, healthier choices every single day. You can choose to work on nutrition, physical activity, cutting tobacco, or a combo of all three. And the app is now more social than ever. Find Facebook friends, challenge them, and play your way to a healthier state.
Small Starts for Families was launched as a free, web-based wellness tool two years ago. How does this addition to the online suite of Small Starts wellness resources help families lead a healthier lifestyle?
Families can answer a few simple questions and once an account is created, they have access to more than 60 small starts to browse, save, and come back and implement in their lives. Our primary target is families with children from birth to early childhood, but anyone can have success using our program. It also touches on promoting better sleep and stress reduction to help you become a healthier person not just physically but mentally as well.
If a family is looking to make health a priority, what would be your top five tips to get started?
Don’t skip breakfast. Plan tomorrow’s breakfast tonight. Three healthy ideas: 1) Greek yogurt + berries, 2) Whole wheat toast + peanut butter and sliced banana, or 3) Oatmeal with cinnamon + honey or dried fruit.
Drink more water. Make water your family’s drink of choice. Add a splash of lemon, lime, orange, or other fruit juice for healthy flavor.
Try for five. Try eating five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Make the “Family Five” a game: See who eats their five servings first!
Spend time together outside. Find outdoor activities you and your family can enjoy together. Hit the parks and community centers to take a walk or play.
Keep distractions away. Keep TV, computers, and other distractions out of the bedroom. A room used for sleeping should not be used for play.
The Healthier Tennessee Week is scheduled for March 25-31. During the week, we will be celebrating Healthier TN Communities on our social media outlets, hosting a “Day on the Hill” on Tuesday, March 27, to raise awareness among our state lawmakers, and requesting communities to join the efforts in spreading the word using the hashtag, #HealthierTNWeek.
Go to healthierTN.com or call (615) 610-1880 for more information.
Get Outside! Fitness Programs at Shelby Farms Park
Whether you are taking the first steps to a fitness journey or aiming to maintain, there are programs available for the whole family to meet all activity levels. Beginners are welcome, and classes are always free!
KIDS KARATE: Meets on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. @ Yurt
Learn skills such as kicks, punches, and blocks to improve balance, discipline, and coordination. Classes are taught by a certified karate instructor.
FAMILY ZUMBA: Classes resume in spring
This dance-based fitness class unites families by incorporating rhythms such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, bhangra, and other world music.
KIDS YOGA: Meets on Saturdays at 11 a.m. @ First Tennessee Foundation Visitor Center
The class introduces children to yoga basics with music and movement. Learn a different sequence and a peak pose every week.
Visit shelbyfarmspark.org/get-outside-fitness-programs for a complete class schedule or call 222-7275 for details.