People working together from different businesses, schools, neighborhoods, etc., is the key strategy to making the places where we live, learn, work and play healthier. The Capital Area Wellness Coalition is the hub for this effort in Concord, but this community approach is happening throughout New Hampshire.
Through the Healthy Eating Active Living NH campaign, New Hampshire communities are becoming more connected for better health. HEAL NH works to start and support community coalitions. Currently, there are 10 community coalitions representing more than 55 cities and towns in the state, working to make the healthy choice the easy choice by promoting access to healthy foods and providing opportunities for physical activity.
The HEAL NH campaign started in 2008 and is led by the Foundation for Healthy Communities with key support from the HNH Foundation. You can learn more about the opportunities available to your community at its website healnh.org.
The HEAL NH approach, connecting communities for health, aligns with the Capital Area Wellness Coalition mission to “build partnerships for healthy living” in Concord. HEAL NH has helped link strategies for children in after-school programs to be active and enjoy better snacks through CATCH KIDS Club at places such as the Penacook Community Center, Concord Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. It has also helped link Coalition colleagues from Keene to help start a Champions program in Concord to inspire others to make a commitment to health.
Because of these initiatives, First Lady Michelle Obama visited the Penacook Community Center in 2012 to see and play with children, experience model activities first-hand, and to meet coalition members in Concord.
Scientific evidence from The Community Guide, a CDC resource for improving health and preventing disease in communities, tells us that connecting with other people in a worksite or social group can foster healthy behaviors.
The Capital Area Wellness Coalition is working with local businesses and worksites to promote more physical activity. For example, our “Take The Stairs” campaign encouraging office workers to make the climb upstairs rather than take an elevator is underway in several Concord worksites.
You can be active in promoting wellness in Concord or a nearby town by visiting the coalition’s website capwellness.org or attending our monthly meeting at the Center for Health Promotion in Concord.
Shawn LaFrance is executive director of the Foundation for Healthy Communities.
