Welcome!
Although it may not feel like it, Spring is arriving this month. In this issue of the Licking County Wellness Coalition Newsletter, you will find information on upcoming events to get you outside and active. You will also find information on how to get involved in your community regarding physical activity, proper nutrition and tobacco prevention. These newsletters serve to better the health and wellness of those who live, work, play, worship, travel or just plain care about Licking County. If you would like your community event posted in our upcoming events section or have an article or topic you would like to see in the newsletter, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Kate White
Licking County Wellness Coalition Chair
Michelle Obama Launches Let's Move Campaign
On February 9, 2010, the First Lady launched the Let's Move campaign. The goal of Let's Move is to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation by giving parents the support they need, providing healthier foods in schools, helping kids be more physically active, and making healthy, affordable food available in every part of the country. To find out more about Let's Move click here.
Help save tobacco prevention efforts in Ohio!
Licking County residents it's time to get involved. It's your turn to tell local
 legislators tobacco prevention programs are important in Ohio. So far there is only one individual for Licking County registered for Advocacy Day on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the Riffe Center in Columbus. Enjoy free food and great company when you join the Investing in Tobacco-Free Youth Coalition, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and American Lung Association to help save tobacco prevention efforts in Ohio. Currently, funding for ALL tobacco prevention in Ohio will end June 30, 2010.
Healthy Communities Through Active Transportation
On March 30th the Ohio Department of Transportation, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Ohio Association of Regional Councils, Federal Highway Administration, and the Ohio departments of Health and Natural Resources will come together at the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus for a one-day workshop to promote safety and Complete Streets as a path to building healthy communities and transportation choices for Ohioans.
This is a free event! Registration is limited to the first 300 registrants and time is running out. To register visit ODOT's website or contact Heather Bowden, Bike & Pedestrian Planner 614.387.0602 or Heather.Bowden@dot.state.oh.us
According to the conference website, morning sessions are focused on policy and decision makers and afternoon sessions target safety, health and community advocates, engineers, planners and law enforcement officers. Mark Fenton, walking advocate and host of the PBS series America's Walking will be the keynote speaker.
Safe Routes to School
According to the National Center for
 Safe Routes to School (SRTS), SRTS programs enable community leaders, schools and parents across the United States to improve safety and encourage more children, including children with disabilities, to safely walk and bicycle to school. In the process, programs are working to reduce traffic congestion and improve health and the environment, making communities more livable for everyone. National SRTS are currently offering thirty-five $1,000 mini-grants for fall 2010. Applications are available at www.saferoutesinfo.org/minigrants. Applications are due by April 7, 2010, and recipients will be announced by Wednesday, May 26, 2010.
Locally, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) issues funding for this program. Schools can apply to ODOT in the fall for educating and encouraging children in grades K-8 to bike and walk to school safely. Funding is also given to aid in the engineering process and for enforcement.
Last year, four school districts in Licking County were funded through ODOT for their Safe Routes to School program. These schools were: Newark City, Licking Valley, Johnstown and Licking Heights. However, even if your school wasn't chosen you can still actively participate in Walk to School Day. Last year, seven schools in Licking County participated in Walk to School Day in October. These schools were Granville Elementary, Heritage Middle, Hillview Elementary, Legend Elementary, Wilson Middle, Par Excellence and Pataskala Elementary. If you don't see your school on the list, contact kdwhite@lickingcohealth.org at the Licking County Health Department to get started.
Want more? Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and ODOT have many outlets to help your school. MORPC Walk to School website offers information on local success stories, brochures, resources, webinars and meetings. If your community is interested in taking the next step and applying for Safe Routes to School funding, the first step is to develop a School Travel Plan. You can get more information through ODOT's School Travel Plan Link.
Chef Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
 You may have seen British chef Jamie Oliver Saturday mornings on the Food Network. Now Jamie is challenging Americans to take a stand and change the way we eat, not just at home but in our schools and workplaces, too. Jamie's new reality series airs FRIDAY, MARCH 26 at 9pm on ABC.
If you want to learn more about the show you can go to ABC's website to see trailers and interviews with Jamie. You can also go to Jamie's website to sign a petition, get recipes, and learn more about the chef.
Driver Safety
St. Patrick's Day
For many Licking County residents, St. Patrick's Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large number of drunk drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous.
On St. Patrick's Day 2008, 37 percent of drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above the legal limit of .08, according to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For a safe St. Patrick's Day, plan a safe way home before the festivities begin. If you are impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to call 1-800-GRAB-DUI. Make sure to get the license plate number, vehicle make/model and color. Finally, if you know of someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get home safely.
Distracted Driving
The US Department of Transportation has taken a new direction and created a website for distracted driving. This website is full of great information and resources. They also have a distracted driving commercial on their site, you can see it by clicking the picture on the left.
Embrace Life Commercial
The Sussex Safer Road Project has taken a much different approach to seat belt safety than we traditionally see. Their Embrace Life Commercial is very compelling. Please click the picture to the right to see the video. Make sure to share this with coworkers, friends and family members. Their website also offers information and resources for drivers, bikers, pedestrians and children. Enjoy!
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March 3- Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools Conference (Columbus)