National Public Health Week promoted

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on April 3, 2015

The Chester County Health Department is observing National Public Health Week – April 6 to April 12 – by hosting several events in Chester County.

Members of the Chester County Health Department join the county commissioners to promote National Health Week, which begins Monday, April 6.

On Thursday, April 2, the county commissioners issued a proclamation at their meeting, recognizing the work that the department does. Commissioner Kathi Cozzone noted that Chester County, "one of the healthiest in the state," got a jump on a national initiative.

During National Public Health Week, the public health community is rallying to make the U.S. the healthiest nation by 2030 - the span of a generation. Although the U.S. spends more on health care than other comparable countries, numerous studies show that U.S. citizens live shorter lives and struggle with more health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, than other countries.

“According to many measures, Chester County is a healthy county; however, there is more to be done as evidenced by the RoadMAPP to Health Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), said Jeanne Casner, director of the Chester County Health Department. “The CHIP embodies many of the themes highlighted during National Public Health Week and demonstrates that no one organization can do it alone - but together we can make a greater impact on the health of our community.”

National Public Health Week events in Chester County include:

Books to Action – In collaboration with the Chester County Library, the Health Department will participate in Books-to-Action, a health literacy initiative. Community members are encouraged to read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver and then participate in restoring the community garden beds located at the library. Food demonstrations, nutrition presentations and gardening opportunities will be available throughout the spring and summer. For more Books to Action events, visit the Chester County Library calendar.
Boy Scout Public Health Merit Badge –The Health Department will host an event for Chester County Boy Scouts to help them earn their Public Health Merit Badge. The scouts will receive certificates of participation and assistance in completing their Public Health Merit Badge. Registration is required, and scouts are asked to bring their blue card to the event. The event will be held on Saturday, April 11, at the Olivet United Methodist Church in Coatesville.
My Best Self Brownie Badge – The Health Department will assist a local Brownie troop to complete the “My Best Self” badge, helping girls to keep themselves happy and healthy. Other local troops may inquire about this program by calling 610-344-6685.
“The Anonymous People” Screening – In conjunction with the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol and the Chester County Library, the Health Department is hosting two screenings of the documentary “The Anonymous People,” an exploration of the disease of addiction and the people that it affects. Screenings will be held Monday, April 6, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at the Chester County Library, and Tuesday, April 7, from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. at the Henrietta Hankin Library.
Wheel of Choices – In collaboration with the West Chester Area Communities That Care Youth Involvement Work Group, the Health Department will conduct a health education and safety game during lunch time at Fugett, Pierce and Stetson middle schools. Other local schools may inquire about this program by calling 610-344-5209.