The obesity rate in the United States has more than doubled in the past 20 years, with over 60 million adults having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. According to a recent 2007 publication of “Trust for America’s Health,” Illinois is the 25th most obese state in the country. Our children are the 14th most obese in the country, yet our state is one of the few across the nation that requires mandatory daily Physical Education. This startling news does not end here. According to recent Driver’s License data, Elgin has been identified as the fattest city in Illinois. Approximately 46% (almost 1 out of every 2 children) of Elgin based District U-46 children are obese or at risk for being obese. What is being done locally to combat the obesity epidemic which has reached a record high over the past 20 years? That’s where Activate Elgin comes in.
Activate Elgin is a city-wide initiative to engage all sectors of the community to work in harmony providing all residents with opportunities to improve their health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Through this initiative, local YMCAs are serving as “connectors,” bringing together high-level representatives from the government, public health and private sectors to drive meaningful change. Activate Elgin involves community partnerships, as this challenging work requires the collaboration of many organizations working together toward the common goal of reducing obesity and related health conditions in the Elgin area. Community partners include the Greater Elgin Area YMCA, In the Neighborhood Deli, the City of Elgin, Elgin Community Network, Kane County Health Department, Gail Borden Public Library, School District U-46, United Way of Elgin, Northern Illinois University, Judson University, Provena Saint Joseph Hospital, Sherman Health, the Chicago Bandits, Elgin Breakfast Rotary Club, and the Grand Victoria Foundation.
Activate Elgin has been in existence since 2006, as part of the third cohort of the YMCA Activate America’s Pioneering Healthier Communities initiative. Several projects to date include the creation of educational health materials, wellness projects within Highland Elementary School, Healthy Kid’s Day, and the Moving with the Mayor signature event during national America on the Move Week. Current projects within Activate Elgin include expanding upon wellness projects within area elementary schools, including the implementation of a 5-minute fitness program, promoting healthier lunches in cafeterias, supplying healthier vending options, and fitness, nutrition, and family engagement campaigns within the schools. Activate Elgin is also exploring bringing a Farmer’s Market to the west side of Elgin, preparing for America on the Move Week including the Moving with the Mayor Fun Walk and expansion to the Activate Elgin Mile race, conducting a community-wide BMI campaign, and developing the Activate Elgin website that will serve as a one-stop community resource for health information. Activate Elgin is also currently advocating for policy changes that support healthy lifestyles, as well as encouraging the development of a healthy and physically fit workplace to position Elgin as a top choice for the development of new business.
“Promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic disease will not be accomplished quickly or simply. If we are serious about combating the obesity epidemic then everyone must chip in – parents, schools, communities and Congress. The obesity epidemic and its toll on our nation’s health are real, and the time to act is now,” Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Honorary Chair of the PHC Project states.
ABOUT YMCA ACTIVATE AMERICA®: YMCA Activate America builds upon the YMCA’s 155-year track record of pioneering efforts that respond to timely societal needs – in this case, America’s health crisis. Launched in 2004, YMCA Activate America is an ambitious public health initiative that is making healthy living a reality for millions of Americans by directly helping individuals and families live healthier lives, and helping YMCAs lead their communities and the nation to reduce barriers and increase supports for healthy living. Expert advisors to the YMCA on this initiative include: Harvard University School of Public Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Steps to a Healthier U.S., Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Active Living by Design, the Chronic Disease Directors, and others. For more information, please visit ymca.net/activateamerica.
THE YMCA: A LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT TO HEALTH OF SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY. The nation’s 2,663 YMCAs serve nearly 20.2 million people each year, including 9.4 million children under the age of 18. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, health and well-being for all and family strengthening, YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America’s communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.
