Healthy Lifestyle Committee (HLC)

Committee Sponsor-Ingham County Health Department
Committee Chairperson-Renee Canady Phd

Healthy Lifestyles Committee (HLC) is made up of representatives of organizations throughout the Capital Area that are dedicated to promoting healthy behaviors and well-being. HLC’s community-wide symposium, “Creating a Culture of Healthy Lifestyles in Our Community,” laid the foundation for future initiatives designed to improve Capital Area health and bring together organizations that are engaged in healthy lifestyle
development. In addition, the HLC has been actively involved in Sparrow’s “Fit Kids” initiative. The goal of the Healthy Lifestyles Committee is to promote healthy behaviors, thereby reducing or avoiding illness in the Capital Area. Additionally, this committee works to better connect local groups and coalitions working to address nutrition, fitness, substance abuse and tobacco; in order to avoid duplication and streamline services. In 2009, the Healthy Lifestyles Committee was involved in several projects promoting physical activity as a path to health and fitness.

Healthy Lifestyles Committee supported the Sparrow Health System, Fit Kids initiative, that began in 2008 and continues to be successful encouraging Lansing School District Middle Schoolers to increase health awareness, and make fitness fun. HLC also supported the Winter Warm-up. The Winter Warm-up encouraged residents to increase the number of steps that they take everyday. In addition, five elected officials participated in the second annual Mayor’s challenge, designed to promote community wide health and fitness. Healthy Lifestyles is also working to collaborate with area businesses to promote positive lifestyle choices through healthy work environments. Additional work for 2010 will focus on childhood obesity, tobacco use, continued work with area school districts, and healthy community spaces.

For further information about the Healthy Lifestyles Committee please contact Renee Canady, PhD at rcanady@ingham.org or (517) 887-4475.

For further resources please go to: http://www.ingham.org/HD/Publications/CAHA%20Eng%20Brochure.pdf