Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen is asking employees to take the Live Well pledge to make one small, healthy change in their lives. The pledge is part of It Starts Here: Campaign for a Healthy, Active Multnomah County, an initiative that encourages people to make healthier choices for themselves and for their communities.
Chair Cogen has pledged to walk his dog, Chester, 10 blocks every day and is challenging employees to make small changes to their routines that encourage healthy eating or active living.
“By committing to one small healthy habit, county employees can create momentum that leads to bigger changes and a healthier community,“ said Chair Cogen.
The “It Starts Here” campaign focuses not only on individual choices but also on how people can organize and advocate to make the whole community healthier, through active transportation, comprehensive school wellness policies, safe places to play and equal access to affordable, fresh, culturally relevant food.
More than half of the adults in Multnomah County are overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk for chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. These diseases have high costs for the community, from millions of dollars in medical care, to lost wages from sick workers, to lost years of life and lower quality of life.
“It Starts Here” is part of a grant from the Centers for Disease Control’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work program. To learn more visit www.multco-itstartshere.org or take the Live Well pledge at www.kgwlivewell.com.