Community Leaders

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As a nation, our excess pounds are creating excess costs. Find out what obesity is costing your state today, and if trends continue, what it may cost in the future.

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Healthy Actions Center
COMMUNITY LEADERS

It takes a community to improve citizen health

The U.S. has become very successful at treating illness and disease. But Americans are losing the battle to change unhealthy behaviors, like smoking and poor nutrition, that cause illness in the first place. Until we change the unhealthy behaviors contributing to preventable health conditions, we will simply have unfit, unwell Americans living longer with illnesses and increasing the financial strain on the health care system. The United Health Foundation supports community organizations across the country to help reverse this alarming trend. Join the movement today by promoting healthy behaviors in your community.

How can I help plan a successful community health initiative?

Roadmap to successful community program development
Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

Community-driven strategic planning tool
National Association of County and City Health Officials

Community model to promote physical activity and healthy eating
Active Living by Design

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How can I help reduce smoking in my community?

Guide to establishing smoke-free ordinances
Partnership for Prevention

Guide to build coalitions to address tobacco use and cessation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Smoking cessation activities by state
Americans for Nonsmokers` Rights

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How can I support obesity prevention in my community?

Toolkit for advancing efforts to create healthier communities
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Tactics to create a physically active community
Active Living by Design Initiative

Methods to prevent obesity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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How can I help improve children`s health in my community?

Parental tips to help children maintain a healthy weight
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Toolkit to build healthy programs at schools
Clinton Foundation and American Heart Association

Guide for preventing and controlling childhood obesity
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

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How can I effectively advocate for public health issues?

Advocacy toolkit to impact health reform legislation
American Public Health Association

E-mail elected officials about issues that matter
National Association of County and City Health Officials

How to contact your state health official
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

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What resources do my peers recommend?

Case Study: Wise Women initiative to prevent heart disease and stroke
Nebraska HHS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Healthy eating online games and activities for youth
Small Step Initiative

Will it work for my community?

As you assess the Healthy Actions resources provided, consider the following:

1. Is it logical? Based on your past experiences and community culture, does the approach make sense? Is the intervention likely to be acceptable within your environment?

2. Is it doable? Considering available time and resources, can you see yourself, your neighbors or other community leaders committing to do what it takes to make the solution work?

3. Does it address barriers to action? Does it help you overcome challenges to advocating for health improvements in your community?

4. Is it relevant? Have you assessed your community`s health landscape to determine the priority needs, risks and opportunities?

5. Is it measurable? Do the program outcomes reflect metrics your community will understand and value?

View all Healthy Actions resources

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