Title
A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Supporting The Healthiest Weight Florida Initiative.
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of Resolution
Explanation:
Obesity rates in the U.S. have increased dramatically over the last 30 years, and obesity is now epidemic in the United States. In Florida, only 36% of adults are at a healthy weight. Additionally, 6 out of 10 children born today will be obese by the time they graduate from high school. For this reason, Florida’s Surgeon General, John Armstrong, MD, FACS, has declared healthy weight as a top priority.
Florida’s county and municipal governments play an important role in decreasing the prevalence of unhealthy weight in their jurisdictions. Local governments can implement a variety of policies that have been shown to increase physical activity levels and improve nutrition. These best practices also align with the State Health Improvement Plan. By implementing policies like these, local governments promote community environments where the health choice is the easier choice.
Acknowledging that many jurisdictions have already made progress in these types of policy changes, the Department of Health creased the Healthy Weight Community Champion Recognition Program to highlight communities for their important efforts. As Healthy Weight Community Champions, local governments will be able to share their progress and lessons learned while implementing best practice policies.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Dr. Wazir Ishmael, City Manager
Lorie Mertens-Black, Chief Civic Affairs Officer
Chuck Ellis, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts