March 3, 2015
County Executive Bellone Designates March
as National Nutrition Month® in Suffolk County
‘Healthy Suffolk’
Initiative Encourages Residents to Include Physical Activity in their Daily
Routines
(Hauppauge, NY – March 3, 2015)—Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined Commissioner of Health
Services James Tomarken, MD, MPH, MBA, MSW, to declare March as National Nutrition Month® in Suffolk
County. The declaration, part of the county’s ‘Healthy Suffolk’
initiative, encourages residents of all ages to adopt a healthy lifestyle that
is focused on consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and
getting daily exercise in order to reduce the risk of chronic disease and
promote overall health.
“We aim to create a culture of wellness by encouraging residents to choose
nutritious foods and to exercise, whether it is taking a walk to the corner or
training for the Suffolk County Marathon!,” said Executive Bellone. “Our
message is simply to be active, live well and eat smart.”
“Change can be intimidating but what we are promoting are small changes to
the daily routine,” said Dr. James Tomarken, Suffolk County Commissioner of
Health Services. “Adding vegetables to a meal or scheduling short periods of
exercise daily are small changes that can lead to great benefits.”
Suffolk County and its community partners offer a variety of programs that
encourage good nutrition and exercise. Below is a sampling of programs
available to residents:
Programs for Cancer Patients/Survivors
The Suffolk County Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion Coalition
The
Suffolk County Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion Coalition aims to provide
actionable information to residents regarding healthy lifestyles and
environmental risk factors in order to prevent cancer and other chronic
diseases. The coalition comprises health advocates, medical care
organizations, cancer researchers and staff from the Department of Health Services
as well as other county departments. Listed below are programs offered by
coalition members, Stony Brook University Cancer Center and the organization
Strength for Life. For more information, contact (631)854-0087.
Cancer Survivorship Education Series: Focus on
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Stony Brook Cancer Center aims to improve care for
the community by conducting research, educating patients and healthcare
professionals and partnering with community to reach underserved populations.
In March, the center is offering a free three-week series on reducing cancer
risk factors through good nutrition and exercise. Participants will learn how
to reduce their cancer risk factors through good nutrition and physical
activity. Space is limited. Call 631-638-0819 to register.
Stony Brook University Cancer Center, 101 Nicolls
Road, Stony Brook NY 11794
Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00
p.m.
Strength For Life for Cancer
Patients
Strength For Life is a
not-for-profit organization that provides free lessons on the benefits of
exercise in reducing the risk of certain cancers and improving functional
activities for cancer patients. Classes are held once a week for eight weeks
and are conducted by certified cancer exercise specialists in a group setting.
Medical clearance is required. Call 631-675-6513 to register. Space is limited
and pre-registration is necessary. For more information or to offer a venue for
additional sessions, visit www.strengthforlifeNY.org
or call 631-675-6513. Classes will be held as follows:
Stony Brook University Cancer
Center
101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook NY
11794
Tuesdays, April 7 through May 26,
2015, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
John T. Mather Hospital
75 Country Road, Port Jefferson,
NY 11777
Wednesdays, April 15 through June
3, 2015, 6:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m.
Brookhaven Memorial Hospital
101 Hospital Road, Patchogue, NY
Tuesdays, April 21 through June 9,
2015, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Programs for Diabetics or
Those at Risk for Diabetes
Diabetes is the most rapidly
growing chronic disease of our time, affecting one out of every 12 adults in
New York. Diabetes puts the body at risk for many serious health conditions if
it is not properly controlled. However, moderate changes in lifestyle can help
to restore your blood sugar to normal levels and result in significant health
benefits. Listed below are free classes designed to help resident who qualify
to make lifestyle changes.
The Suffolk County Diabetes
Self-Management Program
The Diabetes Self-Management
Program, conducted by the Department of Health Services in collaboration with
Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, comprises four
classes that cover suggestions for keeping blood sugar in target range, choosing
a healthy meal plan and balancing food, exercise and medications. Register early, as class size is limited
HRHCare
- The Health Center at Patchogue
365 East
Main St. Patchogue, NY 11772
Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26; 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Contact:
Anastasia Loper, 631-727-7850 ext. 340 or abl98@cornell.edu
The
Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program
The Suffolk County Department of
Health Services offers a free Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to all Suffolk
County residents at risk. The program is led by a trained Lifestyle Coach and
meets one hour per week for 16 weeks, followed by at least six monthly
follow-up sessions. The sessions cover healthy eating, physical activity, and
lifestyle changes to help participants achieve the goals that lead to the
prevention or delay of a diabetes diagnosis. For more information, call
631-853-3162 or visit the Suffolk County website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.
The link can be found under “Healthy Living.” To register, contact Debora
853-2928
Good Samaritan Hospital,
Breast Cancer Health, Inc.,
32 Park Avenue, Bay Shore, NY
Mondays, April 27, May 4, 11, 18; June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27;
August 3, 10, 2015
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Suffolk County Department of Health, Office of Health Education
725 Veterans
Highway, Hauppauge, NY
Thursdays, March 26 April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18,
25 July 2, 9, 2015
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Suffolk County Food Policy Council
The Suffolk County Food Policy Council was created by the
Suffolk County Legislature to:
- Promote the production,
distribution, and awareness of locally grown food.
- Strengthen and prioritize
policies that will improve food access, health, and nutrition.
- Enhance the regional food
system by utilizing local agriculture and farming.
Council members have improved vending and concession
standards on county properties and collaborated with private industry to
improve produce offerings in corner stores. The council has found funding for
young and emerging farmers and is addressing the county’s agricultural “brain
drain.” Council meetings are open to the public. A schedule of events can be
found at www.legis.suffolkcountyny.gov/clerk/boards/fpc/fpc15.html
Community Gardens
The Food Policy Council has
developed a website dedicated to community gardens To learn more about how to
start a community garden or to find a garden near you, visit http://www.longislandcommunitygardens.org
Nutrition Assistance
Suffolk County
Office for the Aging: Nutritious Midday Meals for Mature Residents
Residents over age 60 are
encouraged to visit one of over 25 congregate dining programs in Suffolk
County. These programs offer a nutritious midday meal along with the
opportunity to socialize with others. Many sites also offer educational,
recreational, and health related activities. There is no cost to attend a
dining program, though participants do have the opportunity to make a
voluntary, anonymous contribution. Most of the programs operate
Monday through Friday with limited transportation available. For more
information on the congregate dining program, please call the Suffolk County
Office for the Aging at 853-8227.
Supplemental Foods for Women,
Infants and Children’s Program - WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods,
nutrition and health education plus health and human services referrals to
low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants and children up
to five years of age who are at nutritional risk. The program provides food
checks that can be used at local grocery stores and pharmacies to buy specific
WIC approved nutritious foods. WIC offices are located at health centers and
satellite centers run by or affiliated with the Suffolk County Department of Health
Services. To find out more about this program, call 631-853- 3014 or visit http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/PatientCare/WICProgram.aspx.
Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program for Low-Income Households - SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income
households pay for food. The program was called the Food Stamp program
until 2008 when it changed its name to SNAP. The new name reflects a commitment
to good nutrition and healthy eating. SNAP's slogan is "Putting Healthy
Food Within Reach." To learn more about SNAP in Suffolk County, visit http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/SocialServices.aspx.
Suffolk County Farmers Markets and their vendors now accept SNAP and WIC food checks as well as FMNP
vouchers from seniors. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local
industry and eat fresh, healthy produce. For a complete list of markets, please
visit http://ccesuffolk.org/family-health-and-wellness/nutrition/farmers-markets-in-suffolk-county.
Health and Wellness for Families
One of Cornell
Cooperative Extension’s oldest initiatives, Family Health and Wellness has
evolved from a homemaker-focused program to serve the changing needs of
families, consumers and homeowners. Programs today provide information on
diabetes education, nutrition, developing healthy lifestyles, and raising
responsible children. FHW educators collaborate with other Suffolk County
agencies and community-based organizations to support families, especially
families with limited-resources and young children. Development opportunities
are also offered for family support professionals who work to strengthen
families. Learn more at: http://ccesuffolk.org/family-health-and-wellness
Health and Wellness for All
For residents who want to learn more about attaining good
nutrition and physical fitness, but do not have the time to attend programs,
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a user-friendly website that can
help separate fact from fiction when searching for health information. The site
contains a wealth of science-based information and advice for the public on
eating well and optimizing health. Visit http://www.eatright.org/
to learn more.
Suffolk County Marathon Registration and Training
Registration
for the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon is officially open
to the public. The marathon will take a scenic course that will begin at
Heckscher State Park and wind through the vibrant downtowns of Oakdale,
Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point and Patchogue. The marathon is designated as a
Boston Marathon qualifier. Residents and visitors can register at www.SuffolkMarathon.com. The race will be held on Sunday, September 13,
2015. Opportunities to train with others will be
announced in coming weeks.
For more information on Suffolk County’s ‘Healthy Suffolk’
initiative, visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/HealthySuffolk
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