Environmental Initiatives
New York City (NYC)
Obesity
Obesity
According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH),
obesity levels over the past 20 years have doubled in the United States.
In NYC, obesity has reached epidemic proportions: close to 60% of the
adult population is either overweight or obese. Often, the problem
begins very early in life: about 50% of elementary school age children
are not at a healthy weight or are considered obese. To combat obesity
and reduce the health risks associated with it, NYC has created multiple
initiatives under the Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) program.
Overweight adults and children face increased risk of diabetes, heart
disease, stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer. Poor eating
habits also contribute substantially to higher obesity rates. The
likelihood of obesity increases with age and is found to be more common
among older adults, women, African-Americans, Hispanics, and the poor.
Fortunately, obesity is preventable and even a modest amount of weight
loss can improve a person's wellness and reduce health risks.
Environmental factors and technological innovation have created
conditions conducive for obesity. Processed foods are readily available
and contain high levels of sugar, fat and salt. With many NYC children
suffering from excess weight or obesity, a major focus has been placed
on school food programs in an effort to curb obesity and related chronic
diseases. As a result, several initiatives have been implemented to
target communities with higher obesity rates characterized by lower
rates of physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption.
The DOHMH works closely with childcare centers, preschools and parents
to provide useful insights into child nutrition and physical activity.
The Eat Well, Play Hard Program targets childcare centers in
neighborhoods throughout NYC. At eligible childcare centers and
preschools, registered dietitians provide lessons on the importance of
integrating good nutrition and physical activity for children ages 3 to
4. Workshops for parents are intended to be enjoyable, engaging and
often include food tastings and cooking. Topics for discussion include:
the importance of family meals, appropriate portion size, enjoyable ways
to be physically active, and how to incorporate a healthy diet into
meals while on a budget.
The Healthy High Schools Initiative works with high schools to implement
healthy food and non-food fundraisers instead of junk food. GrowNYC and
the DOHMH have launched a pilot project where a limited number of
schools will be given the opportunity to explore alternative produce or
plant sales for fundraising. Move-To-Improve is another initiative
offered by the City. It is a comprehensive and engaging way to help
teachers integrate physical activity into classroom academics. The
initiative requires schools to fulfill the New York State Education
Department mandate for 120 minutes of physical education per week.
In NYC, convenience stores called "bodegas" are everywhere and many rely
on them for daily shopping needs. However, healthy choices like fruit,
vegetables and low-fat milk may be limited at these locations. Since
2005, the Healthy Bodegas Initiative (HBI) has helped more than 1,000
bodegas in Harlem, the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn increase
theirassortment of healthy foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, whole
grain bread, low-fat milk and dairy, and low salt canned foods.
Additionally, bodegas are encouraged to apply for permits that allow
them to sell fresh produce in storefronts. The HBI also helps stores
promote and advertise their healthier items to customers in high-need
areas throughout NYC.
Green Carts are mobile food carts that offer fresh produce in certain
NYC areas. Local Law 9, signed by Mayor Bloomberg in 2008, established
1,000 permits for Green Carts throughout the five boroughs. A Green Cart
can only sell raw fruit and vegetables that haven't been modified or
processed.
Obesity costs employers an estimated $45 billion per year. It increases
employee absenteeism and contributes to lost productivity within the
workplace. To combat obesity in the workplace, NYC has launched its own
initiative to incorporate healthier food for city employees. Private
employers are also encouraged to join these efforts by providing useful
guidelines regarding appropriate food and beverage items to serve at
meetings and corporate events.
Shape Up New York is a free family fitness program offered at public
parks, community centers and housing sites around NYC. Fitness classes
are open to adults and children and offer many types of exercise
activities. The program is aimed at encouraging the development of a
healthy lifestyle and improving participant self-esteem through
energetic physical activity in a non-competitive environment.