|
Working to increase physical activity in King County |
 |
The King County Overweight Prevention Initiative, Public Health programs and clinics, and the King County Physical Activity Coalition partner with community organizations to develop new resources and improve access to existing resources.
The King County Physical Activity Coalition (KCPAC) works to raise the activity levels of King County residents who are currently sedentary and decrease their risk for chronic disease. KCPAC is staffed by the Chronic Disease Prevention and Healthy Aging Unit located in the Prevention Division of Public Health.
Every year, KCPAC recognizes five outstanding Physical Education teachers for their dedication and commitment to the health of children and youth. To learn more about the award or to nominate a teacher, use our online form or contact Amy Shumann at 206-205-6284 or amy.shumann@kingcounty.gov |
|
Photo by Emerald Park Elementary, Kent School District |
Physical Activity Promotion Program |
|
|
|
Silicone bracelet with engraved message
|
 |
| Prescription bottle label with healthy messages | The Physical Activity Promotion Program (Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Aging Unit) provides technical support and assistance to community partners as they develop and implement strategies to increase physical activity in King County residents. Best practice research and data are also shared. The Physical Activity Promotion Program:
- Mentored King County employees through the Healthy Incentives program providing information and support to reach their personal goals for increasing physical activity and healthy eating.
- Distributed over 2,500 “I will eat healthier and move more” silicone bracelets to King County employees, students and residents. Each person requesting a free bracelet is asked to commit to at least one positive change they were willing to make to either eat healthier or move more.
- Produced and distributed physical activity “prescription bottles” for use in Public Health clinics and Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Center clinics. Each prescription bottle included 36 fun and easy ways to be more physically active every day. Over 500 prescription bottles were distributed at the 2005 King County Employee Wellness Fair.
- Trained doctors and clinic staff in five community clinics to increase the frequency and relevance of physical activity messages.
- Conducted focus groups to test appropriateness of physical activity and nutrition messages with low-income Southeast Asian seniors.
Policy change is critical to making healthy behaviors an easier choice. The Physical Activity Promotion Program works with a diverse group of community partners to develop and implement policies that focus on:
- safe routes to school
- safe routes to transit
- sidewalk and bicycle connections, and
- walking and cycling routes
|
