Programs and Data

Putting on AIRS Asthma Program

Breaking the Silence Breast Health Awareness Campaign

Community Accessible Foodservice Education

African American Heart Disease and Stroke Risk Reduction Program

Groton Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention

Healthy Kids Are Happy Kids

Immunization Action Program

Ledyard Safe Teens Coalition

Lyme Disease Prevention

More Active People

NLC Health Study

SMILES

Latino Women's Healthy Heart Program

More Active People - MAP

Activities for Children with Disabilities | Get Your Kids Moving!

Local Farmers Markets - Fresh, Local Food | Get Your Kids Eating Healthy

The Ledge Light Health District has received funding from the CT Department of Public Health to implement a program to help reduce obesity among 8-18 year olds by encouraging physical activity and healthy food choices. The goal is to improve the likelihood that children will get the recommended 60 minutes of activity each day and make nutritious food choices by taking advantage of local farm fresh foods.

A Population at Risk

The percentage of overweight children has nearly tripled in the past 30 years. Research shows that at least 15% of children and adolescents in the U.S. are significantly overweight.  Another 15% of children aged 6-19 are at risk for becoming overweight.  Many of New London County elementary schools report nearly 33% of children as being overweight or obese. The chances of being overweight or obese are higher among certain populations of children and teens.  Children with disabilities, for example, are more at risk for obesity; these children tend to be less active than non-disabled peers.   

 

The Consequences of Overweight/Obesity

Being overweight or obese affects children psychologically and physically.

Psychological consequences include:

• Depression
• Poor body image

• Feelings of low self-esteem

• Risk for eating disorders

Negative health consequences include:

• High blood pressure

• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Early puberty
• Asthma
• Orthopedic problems (especially knee problems)

More importantly, overweight and obese children are more likely to be obese as adults who increase their risk for many diseases including coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers (kidney, colon, esophageal, endometrial, and post-menopausal breast cancer). 

The MAP Project: More Active People

Ledge Light Health District will partner with the Parks & Recreation Departments of East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, New London, and Waterford. The project will include the following:

 

• Provide a significant contribution to the Town of Groton’s plan to install rubberized safety surfacing at its Tercentennial Legacy Park.

Safety surfacing protects against injuries and allows access for people with wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. The surface promotes recreational opportunities for all children, including those with disabilities.  The more active children are, the less likely they are to become overweight or obese. 

 

• Work with the Parks & Recreation departments in each municipality to improve access to and increase the use of family recreational areas. 

New signs at various recreational sites in the communities will include facility information as well as health and fitness messages to promote physical activity. 

 

• Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to produce fun, kid-friendly maps that highlight recreational facilities within each town. 

Maps will indicate location of facilities, highlight recreational opportunities and display area farm stands and farmer’s markets.

Printed maps will be given to school children as book cover form and/or pocket folders.  Fun activities will be developed to integrate use of maps in classrooms and to encourage children and teens to get out and explore recreational facilities in their towns. 

Maps will be available online at Ledge Light Health District and municipal websites to encourage family use.

• Promote physical activity among the community through the Health Watch Cable programming and local newspaper articles

Cable TV programs will interview community members, fitness professionals, and nutrition experts to discuss the role of physical activity and food choices in promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing obesity among our children and teens. 

 

 The More Active People Project is funded by the Connecticut Department of Public Health