By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Public health officials want to know if you are eating your broccoli and carrots, or if you are more of a couch potato.
So last week, people from various health and service agencies sat around a table at the Wood County Health District and talked about what kind of questions to pose to local residents to get a pulse on their health.
Specifically, they want to know what you are eating and how much you are moving. Are there barriers to you eating fruits and vegetables – access, cost, transportation? Are there barriers to you exercising – no parks or trails, can’t afford a gym membership?
The Northwest Ohio Hospital Council is coordinating efforts to check on the nutrition and activity of residents in several counties. Locally, the survey will look at the health opportunities and challenges here in Wood County.
Brittany Ward, with the Northwest Ohio Hospital Council, is hoping to get at least 1,000 responses in Wood County, covering young, old, rural and urban populations.
The group meeting last week was trying to narrow down questions so the online survey is manageable and not so long that people give up before they finish. The survey is intended to take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
Plans are for the survey to be sent out to the community in February through early April.
The survey will ask questions about:
- Are bike or walking trails accessible?
- How far do kids have to walk to school?
- Do you have access to farmers markets?
- Are there Weight Watchers programs offered near you?
- Are there “food deserts” where healthy food is not available?
- Do you feel safe to walk in your neighborhood?
- Are there sidewalks in your community?
- How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you eat each day?
- How often do you eat at restaurants? What type?
- Do you garden?
- Have you had to choose between paying bills and buying food?
- How often do you exercise?
- Are parks in your area handicapped accessible?
- Does your employer provide worksite wellness?
- Do schools in your area promote nutrition and physical activity?
The hope is that once data is gathered, the information can be taken to elected officials and other leaders to support healthy changes in communities. The survey results will give credence to communities adopting policies and practices to promote healthy lifestyles.
The survey will also ask local residents about the types of community improvements they would support to provide better nutrition and exercise opportunities. Those options might include farmers markets, community gardens, sidewalk accessibility, bike and walking trails, neighborhood safety and healthier foods at local groceries.
