|
Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes and Obesity are strongly and consistently associated with the increase in healthcare costs. As a means to educate and increase awareness among Colorado legislators, the American Diabetes Association along with key partners, will once again launch Legislators Step to Health, a health & wellness awareness program specific to the needs of Colorado Legislators.
In 2009, we are honored to partner with the Lt. Governor’s Challenge, Your Heart is in Your Hands, to promote the prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and improving the health and well being of Coloradoans. The Lieutenant Governors' Challenge is a 12-week reward based program. Participants may choose to work toward heart health through fitness choices, nutrition choices, or both.
Participants earn fitness points by doing everyday activities like walking or shoveling snow. Additionally, participants can use the Challenge to meet and manage their personal nutrition goals. At the end of the 12 week period, each person who meets the point goals receives a medal. Participants must enter their nutrition/physical activities into the website within 10 days of completing them.
Through these programs we are urging legislators to set the example by getting informed and increasing their physical activity and healthy foods choices in ways that will lead to sustained behavior change throughout their lives. Legislators will raise awareness and educate their constituents by modeling a commitment to their own health. Our hope is that Colorado’s legislators will be the leaders in spreading the messages of health and wellness by challenging their colleagues across the country to participate in Legislators Step to Health and Your Heart is in Your Hands.
Legislators Step to Health Activity Calendar:
January
Press Conference Launch sponsored by Lt. Governor Barbra O’Brien and
Diabetes, Obesity and Prevention Caucus
Free Cholesterol and Glucose Screenings sponsored by Rocky
Mountain Association of Diabetes Educators & American
Diabetes Association
February Go Red Campaign and Physical Activity Awareness sponsored by the American
Heart Association
March Diabetes Day at the Capitol sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and
Diabetes Prevention Control Program
Nutrition Awareness sponsored by Colorado Dietetic Association
April Financial Case for Health Policy sponsored by Kaiser Permenente
Free Cholesterol and Glucose Screenings
|