Active and Healthy Communities | Vermont Department of Health CLOSE Translations for you Active and Healthy Communities Newport WIC (Newport) Worksite Wellness Family and Child Health School Health Active and Healthy Communities Immunizations Infectious Disease Community Prevention Programs Tobacco Prevention Emergency Preparedness Physical Activity and Nutrition Dental Health We work with many partners so that our communities will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can move safely and get healthy food. promote safe, pleasant and accessible places for all people to walk, roll or bicycle promote use of public transit ensure access to healthy and affordable food ensure safe, quality housing We work with community organizations, municipal and regional planners, schools and health care providers. We begin with conversations to learn what is important to our community. From there, we find ways to weave in health and wellness improvements that fit the priorities of our towns, such as economic development. All Vermonters will thrive when our living conditions help to eliminate differences in health for different groups of people. Use the Public Health Data Explorer to learn about health and wellness where you live. My Healthy Vermont My Healthy Vermont offers free workshops to help you prevent or manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic pain. How We Can Help There are many ways the Newport office can help shape a healthier community. We can: share examples of language that promotes health with cities and towns in order to strengthen regional plans. provide public health data and information to inform planning. provide education about why sidewalks and healthy foods options in local markets are important. connect you with useful resources and provide examples of similar work done in other communities to help you on your way. look for funds to help town officials and organizations support health-promoting efforts Local Highlights Healthy Foods: Health Care Shares North Country Hospital and Vermont Youth Conservation Corps team up to provide food as prescriptions to increase health. Physical Activity: The Wellness Center offers affordable exercise classes for every age and ability. Walk/Bike Path: The Newport-Beebe Bike Path (about 6 miles in length), starts in Downtown Newport, winds its way through the city and connects with the old railroad line. 3-4-50 Prevent Chronic Disease What does 3-4-50 mean? 3 behaviors – lack of physical activity, poor diet, and tobacco use – lead to 4 chronic diseases – cancer, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease – that are the cause of more than 50 percent of all deaths in Vermont This understanding inspires us to take action. Communities that are built to support physical activity, safe walking and biking, use of public transportation, and easy access to fresh foods are essential for good health. See how Vermont Cities & Towns support health Related Resources Active Living and Healthy Eating - Vermont Healthy Community Design Resource Examples for Creating Healthy Communities: Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Tobacco, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention - Vermont Healthy Community Design Resource Complete Streets: Guide for Vermont Communities - to assist towns with examples Physical Activity & Nutrition in Vermont Communities Environmental Health in Vermont Chronic Disease in Vermont - Data Trail Finder VT State Parks Hunger Free Vermont Safe Routes to School CounterBalance - a campaign directed towards the tobacco industry’s influence on youth Northern Counties Health Care and Dental Center Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging 802.334.6707 [email protected] February 20, 2024