Communit-MattersHealth Issue

Fall 2012 e-newsletter

A P

EE

K I

NS

IDE 10 Characteristics of a

Healthy City - p.2

How to Make Healthy Changes in your Neighbor-hood - p.3

Secrets of Happy, Healthy Families - p.5

ehealth leadership communitybusiness

of your neighborhood? When you can escape for a few, check out page 3, the section on a ‘Healthy Community’ and see how your street measures up.

We can’t stress enough how ‘stress’ nega-tively impacts your health. On page 4 learn more about how rest can help you reduce your personal stress. If you thought your stress was ‘your own’, think again! How you carry your stress also impacts your family but don’t worry, page 5 will provide some pointers on how to manage stress for a healthy family. Your of�ce is also a prime ‘stressor’. On page 7, see if your work environment is as healthy as it can be.

Looking forward, the next issue will once again speak to Leadership in our Community and how all of us have a hand in SHAPING THE FUTURE®.

As always, a hearty thanks to all of those who visited our parks or participated in our programs. This past summer marked our strongest season on record. As we enter fall, I encourage you to go out and hike in one of Virginia’s great state parks during the height of color. A walk in the crisp autumn air, along with a cup of warm cider, is truly the best way to immerse yourself in the splendor of the season.

Best,

Has it been a year already? Wow, how the time �ies. One year ago, the Department of Parks and Recreation developed this quarterly electronic newsletter as a platform to inform our residents and promote our services. Along with the Department’s Tuesday e-newsletters, facebook, the MOSAIC, MOSAIC Extra, the Com-munity Matters Messenger and the Community Matters Blog, this quarterly newsletter is another resource to keep you informed and engaged in all the things we believe continue SHAPING THE FUTURE®.

Communit-e Matters e-newsletter has engaged the reader with thoughtful and relevant infor-mation on one of four topics: Health, Leader-ship, Business, and Community. We hope you have found them to be useful, engaging, timely, and resourceful.

In this edition, once again, we expand upon the topic of Health. Whether the information is about our City, neighborhoods, schools, work-place, the family, or you…it’s all covered here. Inside you will encounter information, all related to the global concept of health, that is easily accessed with just a ‘click of the mouse’. Designed to accommodate your busy lifestyle, we’ve embedded links into the brief topic sum-maries so that when you have an extra moment, at your leisure, you can invest a little more time to read on. For example, did you know that there are speci�c criteria that impact the health We

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CatherineCatherine Morretta, Director

Here is a long, but worthwhile read, on the

‘In�uence of Health on Economic Growth.’

This working paper, by Jocely Finaly, from the

Harvard Initiative for Global Health, speaks

to the indirect effect of health on economic

development through a worldwide view

using three key variables:

The results show that the indirect effect of health is positive and signi�cant. Without recognition of the indirect role of health, the economic bene�ts of health improvements are underestimated.

Intrigued? {CLICK HERE TO READ ON}.

growth, education, & fertility.

Characteristics

HealthyCity10 of a

Clean water is essential. Water quality degrades when toxic chemicals, biologi-cal waste, sediment, and excess nutrients �ow into rivers, streams,

wetlands, and costal waters. {CLICK HERE} to see how Virginia is doing.

2

Health & Economic Development

Promoting Health and Public Transportation

air quality

water quality

Poor air quality directly impacts a com-munities overall health, endangers the very young and old, contributes to climate change, and damages natural

resources. {CLICK HERE} to read more about the ‘air you breathe’ in Virginia.

In Manassas Park, just like many other

communities, the only way many

residents can access essential

services, like health care or schools, or

non-essential services, such as shop-

ping, is to hop in a car or catch a bus.

It’s no secret, health in many commu-

nities is suffering. Discover how

promoting a transportation policy

makes for a ‘healthful’ community.

{CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

If you agree that ‘good transportation

policy’ should take into account

people’s health and well being, then

{CLICK HERE} to read further.

Healthy Transportation?

CITY

What does it mean to YOU to have a healthy city? Is it more than trees and farmers markets? You bet it is. From �xed transit to mixed use neighborhoods, Sustainable City News provides the Top Ten Characteristics of a Healthy City. Give them a review and see how Manassas Park lines up! {CLICK HERE}

Healthy CitiesGood Jobs

healthyMore and more, in non-traditional ways,

local governments are leveraging

developers to promote good jobs.

Community Bene�t Agreements, like the

one the City of Los Angeles, California

implemented, requires developers to

address community concerns such as

parks and housing. This is just one of

eight steps identi�ed to make cities

healthier. {CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

Healthy Neighborhoods Have. . .

3COMMUNITY

What is a Healthy Community?Elements that were identi�ed in the 2010 Healthy People Strategy, that enable people to maintain a high qual-ity of life and productivity include: access to healthy care services that focus on both treatment and preven-tion for all members of the commu-nity; a safe community; the presence of roads, schools, playgrounds and other services; and a healthy safe envi-ronment. {CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

FARMERS MARKETSIf you are looking for healthy, local choices, that support the local agriculture economy, and reduce your carbon footprint, then look no further than your nearest Farmers Market. What is so great about Farmers Markets you ask? Farmers Markets not only give you an opportunity to meet face to face with those who produce the food, but it also allows you to improve your diet and nutrition by having access to FRESH food! By meeting the local farmers, you can learn how your vegetables are grown and meat produced as well as the production and origin of the food. Plus, they can be a source of information

and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients. {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE} about Farmers Markets.

Your neighborhood is just that...yours! You can make healthy changes to

your neighborhood. It’s easy, rewarding,

and you’ll be better for it. To read

more about making your community

healthy, {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}.

How to Make Healthy Changes in Your Neighborhood

Does such a place exist? You bet!

Women’s Health Magazine compiled its

latest list of healthiest cities and desig-

nated Raleigh, North Carolina, as the best

place to ‘live as a woman’. Even though we

think Manassas Park is a pretty great

choice, read more {HERE} to discover how

they arrived at this decision.

America’sHealthiestCity forWomen...

Sarasota, Florida, has a neat project: Community Health Improvement Partnership (C.H.I.P). C.H.I.P. looks to improve the overall health of a com-munity by focusing on neighbor-hoods. Did you know healthy neigh-borhoods have:

Lighting and “neighborhood visibility”Crime can be prevented with street lighting, especially at bus stops, and building features like porches and street-level windows that make it easier for residents to watch outdoor areas.

Parks & playgrounds Children and adults can exercise and neighbors can talk to each other and solve common problems.

Safer street designsWide sidewalks keep pedestrians away from car traf�c. Well-marked crosswalks let drivers know that pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections.

Bicycle lanesA safer way for people to travel that gives them the bene�t of exercise and does not cause air pollution.

Intergenerational ActivitiesCreating a strong sense of community and an appreciation for the contribu-tions and needs of all age groups.

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

healthy

4 healthyYOU

Did you know that skin cancer affects more

than 1 million people each year in the United

States? Did you know that skin cancer and

other ultra-violet exposure maladies are

largely preventable? {CLICK HERE} to read

more about ways you can protect yourself

from the damaging effects of the sun.

Check out these 10 tips to live a healthier

lifestyle from our friends across the ‘big pond’:

1. Eat Beets.2. Think outside of the box.3. Don’t take the biscuit.4. Embrace Good Health

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE}.

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

No time for exercise...no kidding! Don’t stress. If you can manage to squeeze in 30 minutes every single day, it’s all you need to get you on the right path to a healthier lifestyle. Don’t have 30 minutes? You can get the same bene�ts by dividing up those 30 minutes into 10 or 15 minute segments during the day.

The American Heart Association offers advice to get you active at home, at work, and at play. Take your dog or child on a walk, take the stairs, park and walk, dance and much more! What are you waiting for? {CLICK HERE} to learn different ways that can help you get more active.

No time to exercise?

No news here, folks...we are all getting older.

Aging is a complex process but doesn’t have

to be feared! An active lifestyle has many

bene�ts. You can gain more independence,

prevent poor health, and keep your mind

active. {CLICK HERE} to read about how you

can embrace the aging process through

positive and active aging.

Straight from the American Heart Associa-

tion, “adopting a healthy lifestyle can help

prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and

is critical to managing the disease. It’s also

imperative to normalizing your critical

health numbers, including weight, blood

sugar, blood pressure, and blood choles-

terol.” {CLICK HERE} to make your choice.

Rest is essential for physical health. We all need time to recover and recu-

perate so we can be at our best. {CLICK HERE} to enjoy this post,

The Lost Practice of Resting One Day Each Week, from Joshua Becker.

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle

Positive

andActive Aging

Rest

Sun Protection

With all the many demands we all face to raise a family and provide for the

household, it’s no wonder, at times it can all seem like too much to manage.

Children model their parents behavior, including those related to managing stress

and if you deal with stress in an unhealthy way, guess what...so will your kids.

{CLICK HERE} to discover how you can Manage Stress for Healthy Family.

Does your cat get a seat at the table for all family dinners? Does FIDO have a reserved space in your bed at night? Well don’t fret, you are not alone. In

this recent poll, Americans consider pets part of the family too. {CLICK HERE}

What is a healthy family?

5healthyFAMILY

We all want what is best for family. Healthy families share this lifestyle through diet, exercise and communica-tion. If you are looking for ways to optimize growth in children or quality of life for seniors, then read on {HERE}.

Americans Consider Pets as Part of the Family.

We all know that it is hard �nding time to make healthy choices, with school, homework,

friends and even afterschool activities. Dr. OZ put together a list of 25 tips to get you on

the right track for a healthier YOU. You will be amazed at how easy it is to incorporate

these changes.

Realize that you control what goes into your body

Realize that it's never too late to start adopting healthy habits

Walk 10,000 steps a day (sounds like a lot but you do most of it at school!)

Have one buddy who shares your ideals about living a healthy lifestyle

Avoid known toxins{CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIPS!}

Managing Stress for a

Healthy Family

Do you ‘snuggle’? How about singing

alone with your kids? Do you provide

‘smart snacks’ for your family? These

secrets, from Parents Magazine, may

not be ‘secrets’, but a quick refresher

may recharge your family time.

{CLICK HERE} to view the slide show.

Secr

ets

of Happy, Healthy

Families

It’s hard trying to eat right when you are

on a deadline or have a to do list that

keeps getting longer. Keep your metabo-

lism charged and energy level high with

these snacks.

1. Whole Wheat Crackers & Peanut Butter

2. Fruit

3. Popcorn with Parmesan

4. Nuts

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

8 Healthy Office Snacks

We discussed how to better manage stress with your family, but what about at the of�ce? Something as simple as the way

you sit at your desk can affect your health. Posture has a serious affect on how you carry stress. To learn more, {CLICK HERE}.

How to Stay Healthy and Stress Free in Your Office Job

Do You Work in a “Healthy Of�ice”?With over 1/3 of your day spent in

the workplace, it’s important to make

sure the of�ce is a ‘healthful’ environ-

ment. How does your of�ce measure

up? {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

Feng Shui...Feng You! Does using

the interior design process based

on Feng Shui help conquer stress in

the workplace and make your of�ce

space healthier? Feng Shui is a

powerful way of making a positive

change. It is the Chinese term for

"wind and water". Feng Shui is

based on the premise that all of our

surroundings have an in�uence on

our lives. By altering how the

energy �ows, you can promote hap-

piness and a stress free environ-

ment. {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

A Healthy Of�ce, A Healthy Mind?

What’s your company’s ‘wellness

score’? New research shows that some

employers are starting to offer more

incentives to motivate workers to live a

healthier lifestyle. Inc. Magazine devel-

oped this measure to help you evaluate

whether your of�ce makes the grade.

{CLICK HERE} to take the quiz.

There are measures you can take to

help stave off problems that may arise

from a workplace that is off-balance

and not conducive to your good health

and well being. {CLICK HERE} to learn,

with out much effort or expense, how to

set your of�ce up for health.

How Healthy is your of�ce? Setting Up Your Office for Health

6 WORKPLACEWORKPLACEWORKPLACEhealthy

It’s no secret to those of us that live or work in

Manassas Park, that green schools make a huge

difference. It’s an ‘oldie, but a goodie’, written

in 2006, this document effortlessly speaks to the

costs and bene�ts of investing in green technologies

to build healthy, high performing schools. {CLICK HERE}

DC Healthy Schools Act

Back to SchoolCalendar

Shape of the Nation Report

It’s September and school is back in

session. {CLICK HERE} to access the

2012 - 2013 school year calendars.

In this report, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and the American Heart Association looked

at the ‘Status of Physical Education in the USA’. If you think P.E. class in local schools is just about playing in the

school yard, you’d be mistaken. It’s a long read, but when nearly 33% of our school aged youth are overweight,

it’s an enlightening and worthwhile read. {CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE ‘SHAPE OF THE NATION REPORT’}

Tips for Talking to Kids about Weight

You’ve noticed your teen has put on

weight. Maybe it did not happen over-

night, but now you’ve got to get to the

heart of the matter. How do you start

that conversation? Here are 9 tips you

can try to get this life changing

conversation started. {CLICK HERE}

We’ve given you information on trans-

portation and health, economic devel-

opment and health, your of�ce space

and health...how about the link

between health and academic success?

Yep, you guessed it - it exists and our

schools play a critical role in promoting

the health and safety of young people.

{CLICK HERE} to explore some

Training Tools for Healthy Schools.

In 2010 the District of Columbia Council passed

the ‘Healthy Schools Act’. This law is designed

to improve the health and wellness of

students attending D.C. public and charter schools.

Check out the many ways D.C. is making it a

priority to engage their children in healthy

opportunities and healthy choices. {CLICK HERE}

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation

supports more than 14,000 schools

across the United States in their

efforts to create environments where

physical activity and healthy eating

are accessible and encouraged. Check

out their web site {HERE}. Its chock-full

of great information and access

to ways you can advocate for

healthier choices in your schools.

What do you get if you

add one Nintendo Wii video

game system to a Pittsburg

elementary school? A fun

and engaging way to attack

the fat! {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}. Way to go kids!

Training Tools for Healthy Schools

Healthy Schools Program

Elementary School Students Use Video Games for �tness

7healthy SCHOOLS

8Parks & Recreation

eContinual resistance to the coolancy

effect of water, is just one of the

many bene�ts to exercising in

the water. {CLICK HERE} to read

this quick brief by Bucknell University

on the bene�ts of swimming.

The State of Virginia Department of

Conservation and Recreation has made

available a document that discusses the

Economic Bene�ts of Recreation, Tour-

ism and Open Space. Did you know

parks and open space increase the

value of nearby properties or that

attract businesses and trained employ-

ees in search of a high quality of life?

We did! {CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE}

How Cities Use Parks for Arts and Cultural Programs

Outdoor RecreationRecreation isn’t just about basketball and �rework shows. A large component

of professional recreation is delivered through outdoor recreation and

adventure activities. From America’s immense national parks, to urban

green spaces, the great outdoors provides the perfect place to rest, exercise,

bond with a family, or reconnect with nature. {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

Best Swimming Workout

The Manassas Park Community Cen-

ters Natatorium is the perfect place

to lose body fat in the pool. {CLICK

HERE} to �nd out how you can burn

fat, trim inches and get stronger in a

low impact environment.

Why Exercise IN the Water?

What do you like to do in

your free time? What are you

looking for in your recreational

pursuits? Does convenience

matter? How about the choice to

participate alone or with others?

Check out this great article

on the Role of Recreation in

American Society. {CLICK HERE}

Economic Benefits of Recreation, Tourism and Open Space

According to the article, ‘Living Well’,

the Bene�ts of Leisure for

People with Disabilities”, 27% of indi-

viduals with disabilities report that

they are less satis�ed with life

than individuals without disabilities.

One way to contribute to someone’s

overall satisfaction is through the

pursuit of recreation and leisure.

{CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

Living Well: The Benefits of Leisure for People with Disabilities

We shared some commentary

from the Brits, now we have

a neat presentation from

our friends to the north, the

Active Living Alliance for

Canadians with a Disability.

The message is universal, the

content is bene�cial. Continue

to the presentation {HERE}.

What Americans Seek Through RecreationBene�ts of an Active Lifestyle

This article from the American Planning Association discusses the relationship

between urban parks and arts and cultural programs. Mental health and wellbeing

are important components to overall life quality and exposure to arts and cultural

activities contributes mightily to this end. {CLICK HERE} to read more.