HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.15.2008• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
December 15, 2008
5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie
Schmitt.
Members absent: Cole.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
Reverend Dr. Mary Robinson, Chair of Black Hawk County Board of Health, reviewed the
ACHIEVE Program. The program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). Technical assistance for the project is being provided by the CDC in cooperation with
the National Association for Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) and the YMCA of the USAs.
ACHIEVE brings together local leaders and stakeholders to build healthier communities by
promoting policy and environmental change strategies focusing on obesity, diabetes, heart
disease, healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco use prevention. Ten projects were selected
based on a competitive application process, including a total of 127 proposals submitted by
health departments throughout the United States. Black Hawk County is the only county in Iowa
to be awarded funds. The program was awarded $80,000.00, with the funds divided 50/50
between the Black Hawk County Board of Health and the YMCA. National and state studies
show an alarming increase in chronic diseases, .especially in minorities and under income
individuals. Reverend Dr. Robinson noted that at a conference she attended it was said that
today's youth will be the first generation to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.
Eileen Daley, Black Hawk County Health, explained the need for chronic disease prevention and
risk reduction. In 2007, 65 percent of adults in Iowa were either overweight or obese. In 2007,
41 percent of Waterloo Community School District students were overweight or obese. Ms.
Daley explained the program will promote access to physical activity and fresh produce through
the build environment. The promotion of access. to culturally appropriate and fresh foods
throughout all neighborhoods. Development of an integrated map of conservation, recreation
and farmer's market sites and expand community gardens. The program encourages safe routes
to schools as safe, well -maintained sidewalks and pedestrian enhancements will keep our kids
healthy. Ms. Daley explained that free consultation and assessment is available. They will
prepare baseline assessments for employers and wellness programs.
Kirk Alexander, Family YMCA of Black Hawk C l ty, reviewed obesity trends from the CDC
for the years 1985-2008 and distributed maps showing percent of overweight and obese by
schools. One out of three kids born in 2000 or later will be diagnosed with diabetes. The
ACHIEVE Program wants to partnership with the City of Waterloo bringing expert speakers and
resources.
Councilperson Welper commented that he feels obesity is tied to economics. With husbands and
wives working, the kids are at home and tend to eat junk food.
Mr. Alexander explained that there really is no simple answer or simple course. Looking at
infrastructure will help to show what is happening. The funding from the CDC will be used to
bring in expertise in education , workshops, etc.
Councilperson Hart commented that young people today play with their Xboxes and video
games, which takes away from the exercise time. Mr. Alexander noted that his generation was
very active compared to now, and we need to look at what we can do to encourage kids to be
active. School officials are involved in this program.
Mayor Hurley invited continuing dialogue with the ACHIEVE program. Mayor Hurley noted
the city continues to build bike/walk trails, purchase new equipment for the parks and there has
been conversations about building a wellness cent&-dbwntown.
Council Work Session
December 15, 2008
Page 2
Councilperson Greenwood asked if there is outreach and education for the children as they are
identified. Mr. Alexander replied that is part of the equation. Reverend Dr. Mary Robinson
noted that the Black Hawk County Health Department has a contract with school nurses to work
with the youth who are identified.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Getty
that the meeting be adjourned at 5:29 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert:;'
City Clerk
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