Welcome
to Movement For Life
On February 21, 2004 during my State of the City address I announced
The City of Detroit's new health initiative "Movement for Life." I
invite you to join me in improving the health and physical fitness of
our city.
"Movement
for Life," the City of Detroit's health and wellness initiative, aims
to motivate residents to pursue active lifestyles and inform them about
the benefits of healthy living. Through this initiative we plan to
focus on four major areas of healthy living: preventive healthcare,
physical activity, nutrition and diet, and sleep and stress management. We will host free health fairs, provide
education through various seminars, workshops, and literature, and
offer incentives for participation. Our Department of Health and
Wellness Promotion's nutrition and community health staff will assist
with locating physical activity resources and organizing activity
groups, and will provide nutrition counseling, education and
information upon request.
The
City of Detroit has partnered with several key organizations including
the Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System, St. John Health
System, Health Alliance Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, OmniCare, Total
Health Care, The Wellness Plan, Greater Detroit Area Health Council and
the partners of "Cover the Uninsured Week" to ensure "Movement for
Life" has a major impact on the health of all city residents.
I
believe this initiative will positively impact the overall health of
our community. I look forward to working with you to improve the health
of Detroiters and create a healthy, strong and vibrant community. Join
the Movement!
Greetings:
I,
and the City of Detroit's Department of Health and Wellness Promotion,
am pleased to be a part Mayor Kilpatrick's Movement For Life health
initiative. The initiative will encourage making lifestyle changes that
improve health and fitness by focusing on four major areas:
preventive health, physical activity, diet and sleep.
One
of our objectives -- to educate the public on increasing physical
activity and incorporating a healthy diet -- should significantly reduce
health disparities that impact Detroit residents. Most of the health
disparities that afflict the African-American community are nutrition
and exercise related. Research has shown that if you take small steps
in the right direction, one each week, you can make positive,
long-lasting behavioral changes that will improve both your health,
quality of life and well-being. That sums our health and fitness
initiative: a little better, every day.
The
Department of Health and Wellness Promotion works to prevent disease by
promoting a healthy lifestyle. Seventy percent of the deaths associated
with chronic disease are directly related to lifestyle. Smoking,
uncontrolled high blood pressure and high cholesterol, overweight and
inactivity are all related to lifestyle. Thirty minutes of physical
activity five days a week and a healthy diet can not only improve one's
physical health but also have a positive affect on one's mental
well-being.
Join the Movement For Life health initiative today, and make the decision to change to a healthier lifestyle. We are here to
inform, educate, encourage and support you during this
initiative. In closing, we hope to touch each and every person that
lives, works and plays in our city. To your health Detroit!
The information presented here has been reviewed by experts at the City of Detroit Department of Health and Wellness. It is not a tool for self-diagnosis or substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.