APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – A coalition between five public health departments and four major health systems in the Fox Valley is trying to determine the health priorities of residents in the region.
Officials asked around 1,600 families about their health habits, and collected that data.
According to health experts, some of the top health concerns are mental health, physical activity and nutrition, and substance abuse.
“We’re doing very well, we’re doing better than the state, better than the national norms, but we know we can do better,” City of Appleton Health Officer Kurt Eggebrecht told FOX 11. “Where we can improve is maintaining a healthy weight.”
Coalition members hope that the data will help engage people to make some healthy changes.
“If you don’t smoke and you maintain a healthy weight, and you manage your stress, and you get plenty of rest, you’re ahead of the game,” said Eggebrecht.
“The key is to build in physical activity throughout the day. Eat locally, visit your farmers markets. Look at your plate, is it colorful,” said Julia Salomon, a dietician with Affinity Healthcare. “Adding up the baby steps…the little small changes that can last a long time for better health.”
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