Could Lower Hutt become NZ’s healthiest community?
Healthy Families Lower Hutt Food co-op team www.marktantrum.com
It’s a bold vision but that’s the aim behind Healthy Families Lower Hutt, a dedicated prevention workforce that is bringing community leaders together in a united effort for better health.
Healthy Families Lower Hutt was launched by the Minister of Health Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman today as part of the Government’s flagship prevention initiative Healthy Families NZ, aimed at improving people’s health where they live, learn, work and play.
The launch at the new Walter Nash Centre in Taita showcased local initiatives that focus on improving community health and wellbeing.
Healthy Families Lower Hutt manager Hayley Goodin says they are absolutely committed to realising the vision of making Lower Hutt New Zealand’s healthiest community.
She says one of the reasons Lower Hutt was chosen to be part of the initiative was because of its high rates of preventable chronic disease.
“We aim to turn that around by creating healthier environments so it’s easier for people to make healthier choices and live healthy, active lives.
“Only by working together can we slow the growth of obesity and preventable chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.”
Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace says the Healthy Families NZ initiative is a positive step for Lower Hutt.
“We’re excited about creating healthy change in our community. The time to do it is now and we’re ready for the challenge.”
Mayor Wallace and Minister Coleman saw some of the local initiatives in action at the Walter Nash Centre during the launch, including:
North East Pathways Project, a revolutionary way of teaching using the themes of movement, physical activity and sport;
MiniMovers, a fun movement session for pre-schoolers that builds on the foundations for sport, recreation and performing arts to ensure children have the best possible start;
Fruit and Vegetable Co-op, one bag of fruit and one bag of vegetables, market fresh at wholesale prices for just $10, including recipes and health education resources.
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Tags: Health, lower hutt
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