HEALTH PRIORITY 2
CHRONIC DISEASE
FOCUS ON HEALTHY EATING/ACTIVE LIVING (HEAL)
Approximately half of survey respondents indicated that they or member of their family has been diagnosed with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Respondents indicated they or a household family member were ever told by a doctor or health professional that they had a weight problem.
Not having reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food rose from 3.3% in 2018.
* data based on the 2021-2024 Somerset County Community Health Needs Assessment
OVERVIEW
Heart disease and cancer have remained the leading causes of death in Somerset County (except possibly for the anomaly of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic). Incidence and mortality data indicate that residents of color have disproportionately higher rates of most chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, despite high screening rates among residents. Black and Latino focus group participants expressed concerns with the social and economic factors contributing to diabetes and other chronic diseases—such as affordable healthy living opportunities and access to good healthcare—more than the conditions themselves.
HOW WE’RE GETTING THERE
GOAL
Ensure all residents have equitable access to education and resources to promote healthy eating and active living, and to prevent and manage chronic disease.
OBJECTIVES
2.1: By December 2024, increase the number of people who can effectively manage their chronic health condition.
2.2: By December 2024, increase fruit and vegetable consumption in Somerset County.
2.3: By December 2024, increase the percentage of residents who meet current federal physical activity guidelines.
- Identify and collect population-specific baseline data for the diseases defined in the Outcome Indicators.
- Update, manage, and promote a comprehensive directory of existing chronic disease management resources) (e.g., Community-based organizations (CBO’s), hospitals, health care plans, local health departments). See also Objective 4.2.
- Identify the best entities to connect people with resources (e.g., health champions, community leaders, faith-based organizations).
- Promote participation in chronic disease management programs.
- Encourage chronic disease management programs to also offer screenings.
- Identify how to measure outcomes and identify baselines and targets.
- Form food policy council specific to Somerset County or specific towns to bring together businesses, farmers, schools, economic development, food trucks, etc.
- Identify areas with the least access/highest need and partner with famers markets and grocery stores to create opportunities for pop-up farmers markets and Grocery Store Rescue (free) (e.g., senior centers, churches).
- Enroll food pantries in the Healthy Pantries Initiative and partner with food pantries and pop-up markets to include culturally diverse/appropriate recipes using healthy foods.
- Promote available resources that define healthy beverages and foods and provide healthy eating guidelines and educate residents on how to prepare healthy meals through live classes, videos, etc. (e.g., partner with farmer’s markets,
- Continue to promote the Walk-Bike-Hike Initiative started under the previous CHIP.
- Explore the expansion of Safe Routes to School program.
- Expand providers and others who talk with patients about their level of physical activity (Physical Activity Vital Signs questionnaire) and who prescribe Parks Rx (database with up-to-date listing where parks are and what they offer, paved walking trails, restrooms, playgrounds).
- Provide policy recommendations to municipalities to evaluate and address the walkability and bikeability of their communities
- Provide education/information to encourage residents to be physically active at home and on ways to facilitate walking groups and other rec programs within neighborhoods.
- Develop partnership(s) with existing regional/national campaigns to increase diversity in free/low-cost spaces for active lifestyle activities.
- Promote programs to close down streets for physical activity “Open Streets” (explore pairing with farmer’s markets).
- Encourage installation & use of Fitness Court® fitness trails (with strength stations) & similar in parks & pocket parks.
- Partner with employers to adopt policies that encourage taking breaks for physical activity during the workday (there are lots of things employers can do for free to encourage physical activity).
- Work with schools to make policy, systems & environmental changes to encourage active recess, and include physical activity in after school programming.
