Below are examples of projects to change the environment where Utahns live, learn, work, and play to allow for a healthier diet and increased physical activity. For more examples and information, see Prevention Recommendations on the Resources page.
A Healthier You
A Healthier You (AHY) is a legacy program of the Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games of 2002. A Healthier You 2002 TM was developed by partnering public and private health agencies, lead by the Utah Department of Health and the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, to promote personal health as a key message of the Winter Games. Post-Olympics, the AHY Legacy Awards Program promotes long term, sustainable policy and environmental strategies that support health enhancing behaviors in schools, worksites, communities, and college/university campuses.
- Gold Medal School Awards
The nationally recognized Gold Medal School Program awards bronze, silver, gold or platinum “medals” to schools for outstanding achievements in implementing policies and environmental supports that promote physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco free schools. In 2001 when the program started, 34 elementary schools participated; in 2006 a total of 284 elementary schools have participated. Currently just more than half of all Utah elementary schools participate in the Gold Medal Schools Program, reaching almost 105,000 students. Intermountain Health Care has become a major partner in the Program extending its reach over the next few years to all elementary schools and into middle/junior high schools, too. Mrs. Mary Kay Huntsman, the Governor’s wife, has become a champion of GMS by including it in her Power in You Youth Program and participating in Gold Medal Schools awards ceremonies throughout Utah. - Healthy Worksite Awards
The Healthy Worksite Awards Program recognizes the outstanding achievements of businesses in implementing employee health promotion and wellness programs. It acknowledges efforts to facilitate and encourage employee health, enhance productivity, and ensure healthy work environments. The Utah Council on Worksite Health Promotion promotes and gives the worksite awards to 50 or more business each year, reaching about 15,000 employees. Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Utah is partnering with the Utah Department of Health and the Council to increase participation in Healthy Worksite Awards. - Healthy Community Awards
The Healthy Community Awards Program recognizes the outstanding achievements of cities/towns in implementing health-related policies and ensuring healthy community environments. It acknowledges efforts to encourage residents and public employees to make healthy choices. One of the most visible components of Healthy Communities has been the establishment of 49 permanent Gold Medal Mile sites around the state. - Healthy Campus Awards
The Healthy Campus Awards Program serves to promote, protect, and improve the health and well-being of students through the implementation of science-based environmental and behavioral change strategies. Partnerships and networking on campuses, community, and state organizations help to achieve this mission. Three Utah university campuses received awards in 2005.
The Utah Childhood Obesity Forum
Utah’s first statewide meeting on childhood obesity, Tipping the Scales Toward Healthier Children: The Utah Childhood Obesity Forum, was presented on August 17, 2005 by the Utah Department of Health with sponsorship from Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, the Delta Center, and the Utah Jazz. Governor Jon Huntsman and Mrs. Huntsman welcomed over 100 participants who started developing a Utah plan for obesity prevention, which became the Blueprint.
Utah Partnership for Healthy Weight
The Utah Partnership for Healthy Weight is comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors and is focused on implementing activities to achieve healthy weight in Utah. Health systems are represented through insurers and medical providers.
The Association for Utah Community Health (AUCH)
AUCH has established partnerships with Community Health Centers (CHC) across Utah to increase physical activity and improve nutrition for clients. These services are focused on underserved populations.
Intermountain Health Care (IHC) Obesity Care Process Model (CPM)
IHC developed and implemented a CPM to summarize and promote the best clinical care for obese patients. To support the Obesity CPM, IHC reimburses for some obesity-related services and procedures.
Deseret Mutual Benefit Administration (DMBA)
DMBA provides employee insurance for employees of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They offer a wellness program, Living Healthy, for DMBA members. Located at http://dmba.com
Public Employees Health Program (PEHP)
PEHP, the organization providing health coverage to many Utah state employees, provides resources and support to Healthy Utah, a comprehensive employee wellness program.
Baby Your Baby
Baby Your Baby encourages women of child-bearing age to adopt healthy behaviors as a means to reduce infant mortality and low birth weight babies in Utah. Baby Your Baby has helped more than 100,000 Utah women get necessary prenatal care over the last 20 years and its public awareness campaigns have taught countless women how to better care for themselves and their babies. Baby Your Baby is a private/public partnership among the Utah Department of Health, Intermountain Healthcare and KUTV 2News.
Check Your Health
Check Your Health is a private/public partnership among the Utah Department of Health, Intermountain Healthcare, and KUTV 2News. Check Your Health provides
information and opportunities to families via the media to those who want to learn about living a healthy lifestyle. The message of Check Your Health is “Eat Healthy! Be Active!” The CYH message reaches at least 400,000 Utahns about 7 times each year. This program uses television, radio, activities and the Internet to encourage Utahns of all ages to eat healthy and to be active. Check Your Health has sponsored activities like the Get Active Utah! Fitness Challenge, and produces the instructional Workouts on the Web as well as healthy cooking demonstrations. They have also created free publications such as “The Healthy Cook’s Companion” and the “Nutrition and Activity Tracker.”
Intermountain Healthcare “LiVe”
LiVe encourages kids to get active. The LiVe campaign includes advertising, sponsorship of events that promote physical activity, school assemblies, new education materials for health providers, an interactive website, and informational offerings for kids, teens, and their parents. The LiVe website contains helpful materials for parents and children, as well as fun games that teach kids about living a healthy lifestyle. Posters and brochures can be downloaded and printed from the website.
VERB
VERB is a national, multicultural, social marketing campaign coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The VERB campaign encourages young people ages 9–13 (tweens) years to be physically active every day. This Web site includes resources and information to make regular physical activity “cool” for tweens and a fun thing to do. There are also VERB materials for organizations that do not directly provide programs to tweens but can promote the importance of regular physical activity through communications, advocacy, policy change, and training of program providers.
Lava Flow Trail in Santa Clara
The original sidewalk path ended abruptly, making it unsafe for school-aged
children to use. The city planners and the Southwest Utah Health Department
collaborated to improve safety and access by extending the trail to a major
intersection. Residents and business owners say this trail has improved safety
and enhanced property values. Extending this path took some coordination with
the city planners and a master plan was established to further extend the trail.
Jordan River Parkway Trail
Salt Lake County and others enhanced the Jordan River Parkway Trail that winds
through the county by installing trail markers and directional signs. Installing
the signs and securing funding was easy to do. Individuals who use the trails said that
the trails have become a huge amenity for businesses. There is a master plan for the
Jordan River Trail that includes extending the trail to connect with Utah and Davis counties.
Bridge Project on the
Ogden River Parkway Trail
The Weber-Morgan Health Department and businesses partnered to improve access and connections of the Ogden
trail network by installing a bridge that extended the trail an extra mile. The new
bridge has helped revitalize the downtown area. Adults, couples, and families are
now walking, cycling, running, and roller blading on the trails. Although the bridge
was expensive ($100,000), many partners donated time and money to make it happen.
Sandy City (2006 AHY Healthy Community Platinum Recipient)
Highlights include a policy to encourage the inclusion of trail systems and walking paths in existing and new subdivisions which include the four-mile Port Rockwell Trail that was opened in 2005 and goes through seven subdivisions. The city also conducted a dental screenings for disadvantaged children at a local elementary school. The city has a community-wide health coalition that addresses the five key health topics. Sandy City Parks and Recreation held a Family Night at Lone Peak Park where 50 bicycle helmets were given away in a drawing and additional helmets were available for $5.00.
Smithfield (2006 AHY Healthy Community Gold Recipient)
Highlights include an ordinance prohibiting smoking in Smithfield City parks and recreational areas owned or leased by the City. 100% of their elementary schools (2) participate in the Gold Medal Schools Initiative.
Healthy Dixie (2006 AHY Healthy Community Silver Recipient)
Highlights include an ordinance that requires new subdivisions to provide sidewalks and street lights. To accomplish an infrastructure requirement, six focus groups were held to assist in updating the Parks, Recreation, Arts and Trails Master Plan.
Midvale City (2006 AHY Healthy Community Bronze Recipient)
Highlights include increasing the number of smoke-free outdoor recreation facilities, which was accomplished by the City Council banning cigarette smoking in public parks, ball fields, and the city cemetery. Additionally, Midvale City has a community garden with 17 plots which are used by long-time residents and new immigrants.
Hyde Park (2005 AHY Healthy Community Gold Recipient)
Highlights include a designated walking trail with mileage markers at Lion’s Park and a monthly newsletter that was distributed to residents providing information on walking, walkability, and accessibility. In February 2005, the City passed an ordinance that prohibits the use of tobacco in all parks and recreational areas owned by the City.
Provo City (2005 AHY Bronze Recipient)
Provo City launched a program called Step-Up Provo, providing pedometers to the first 150 residents who signed up and linking their walkers to the Utah Walks Web site. The city promoted the use of marked trails and trail development by completing Big Springs Park, which included a network of trails.
Cache County and Alpine School Districts were awarded the Carol M. White Physical Education (PEP) Grant
In 2006 the Cache County School District was awarded $389,658 and the Alpine School District was awarded $452,061. This grant is intended to provide funds to local educational agencies and community-based organizations to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs (including after school programs) for students in one or more grades from kindergarten through 12 in order to make progress toward meeting State standards for physical education by providing funding for equipment, support, and the training and education of teachers and staff.
Bountiful High School Received $1000 to Fight Teen Obesity
Bountiful High School was one of 50 schools nationwide to receive a first
prize award of $1000 from the “2005: got milk? Healthy Schools Challenge
Contest” which is jointly sponsored by the “got milk?” campaign and the
National Basketball Association. The contest is designed to address teen obesity.
The funds will be used for the school’s GEAR-UP program that encourages teens
to increase physical activity.
Nebo School District “De-Junked” School Vending Machines
In December 2004 the Nebo School District unanimously passed a policy requiring all middle and high school vending machines to offer at least 50 percent healthy snacks or drinks. The policy defines healthy snacks as those with 35 percent or fewer total calories from fat and 35 percent or less sugar by weight. Drink selections include milk, flavored milk, water, fruit drinks (with at least 10 percent fruit juice), and noncarbonated sports drinks with less than 42 grams of added sweetener per 20 ounces. The schools are also required to conduct campaigns on how to make healthy food choices.
Wasatch School District Established a Nutrition Policy
In July 2004 the Wasatch School District became the first Utah district to establish a nutrition policy limiting sweets and junk food. The policy requires 70 percent of all vending machine offerings to be water, milk, 100 percent fruit juices, and edibles that meet the District’s minimum nutritional standards. Additionally, junk food items are priced higher than healthier options. There is a ban on vending machines in elementary and middle schools and a plan is being drafted to offer fewer processed foods and more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat and low sugar items.
Utah Department of Health Stairwell Painting Project
In May 2005 the Utah Department of Health entered into an agreement with
Weber State University graphic design students to create health conscious murals
in the stairwells at the Cannon Health Building in Salt Lake City. The hope
was that an appealing stairwell would encourage the 800 employees to choose
the stairs over the elevator. The 14 students made presentations and defended
their designs to the Health Department officials who selected three designs to be
used in the main stairway.
Governor Huntsman’s Work Well Initiative
Governor Huntsman’s Work Well Initiative gives state agencies specific ways to support the health and wellness of employees. The eight Work Well recommendations focus on environmental and policy improvements at the workplace that support healthy food choices at work, opportunities to be physically active, and a channel to address wellness issues at the local worksite level. Twenty-eight state agencies sites have implemented worksite wellness councils. Mrs. Mary Kay Huntsman has become a champion for the WorkWell Initiative.
Healthy Utah
Healthy Utah is an employee wellness program available to most Public Employee Health Program (PEHP) insured subscribers and their spouses. Healthy Utah offers a variety of services and resources to improve the health and well-being of its members. The services focus on weight management, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco cessation. Rebates are provided to employees who stop smoking, reduce blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, control diabetes, reduce weight, and increase physical activity. Healthy Utah has over 28,000 members who participate in one or more program services.
ARUP Laboratories Named Utah 2005 Best Companies to Work
ARUP Laboratories promotes a healthy lifestyle and weight management to its
employees by having an on-site Employee Health Clinic, a Preventive Medical
Program, on-site wellness programs (such as Weight Watchers at Work), an
on-site cafeteria that emphasizes healthy eating, and a Wellness Center with trained
staff available 24 hours a day. For those employees who find it difficult to find
time to work out, the company holds 15-minute exercise breaks which are held
during the employee’s daily break times.
Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communications Center
VECC’s Wellness Council promotes health to its employees in a variety of ways. One of the most beneficial ways has been through the 12-week employee challenges, which have included weight loss, smoking cessation, running a marathon, and walking 50,000 steps a week. VECC itself has also seen some impressive results in a lowered insurance rate increase which, in 2007, was half of what it was in 2006. VECC attributes part of this success to healthier employees due to a healthier work environment that also promotes a healthy lifestyle even when employees are away from work.
ARUP Laboratories
Named one of Utah’s best companies to work for in 2006, ARUP Laboratories promotes healthy lifestyle and weight management to its employees. ARUP has an on-site Employee Health Clinic, a Preventive Medical Program, on-site wellness programs (such as Weight Watchers at Work), an on-site cafeteria that emphasizes healthy eating, and a Wellness Center with trained staff available 24-hours a day. For those employees who find it difficult to find time to work out, the company holds 15-minute exercise breaks, which are held during the employee daily break times.
WesTech Engineering (WTE)
WTE actively promotes worksite wellness. WTE provides paid time for employees to exercise and to participate in wellness luncheons and meetings, including Weight Watchers and other weight loss programs. Employees get a financial incentive for losing weight, running a 5k, getting a physical, seeing the dentist and many other things. WTE has changed the contents of vending machines and break rooms to provide healthier food options, and encourages employees to walk every day. WTE has seen a decrease in the amount of money spent on insurance $150,000.
Vacation Resorts International
Vacation Resorts International has made several changes in the workplace to improve employee wellness. These changes include a yearly “Walk to the Resorts” physical activity challenge, employee participation in establishing a gym which is used regularly, and replacing some of the non-healthy snacks in vending machines with healthier items.
Utah Transit Authority (UTA)
At UTA, workers earn up to $250 annually for participating in fitness evaluations, disease management consultations, preventive doctor exams, and walking groups. The money is deposited into a Health Reimbursement Account, and can be used for medical expenses or saved until retirement. UTA also boasts ten fitness rooms at facilities from Ogden to Provo. Membership is free to employees and their spouses. UTA encourages employees to make good nutritional choices by including healthy foods in their vending machines.
Women, Infants, and Children Food Program (WIC)
WIC has implemented a goal setting process in all WIC clinics which is designed to assist WIC moms in setting an achievable healthy nutrition goal. All pregnant WIC moms are supported in maintaining the recommended amount of weight gain during their pregnancy and activities that are done together as a family are strongly encouraged and supported. Such family activities might include walking the family pet(s) together in the neighborhood, going on a family picnic in one of the local canyons, and exploring the Utah National Parks. WIC staff also make appropriate referrals for additional family support with weight management issues and provide healthy recipes on a regular basis. In addition, educational materials such as “How Can I Help My Child Have a Healthy Weight” are disseminated through WIC clinics in Utah.
Utah Breastfeeding Coalition (UBC)
UBC focuses on breastfeeding education for all health care providers and increased outreach activities to the general public. The Coalition is active in exhibiting and presenting at workshops and conferences such as The Mommy’s Market, Successful Mothering Convention, Utah Dietetics Association Conference, and the Nutrition & Food Science Conference. A major event which reaches many individuals with a positive breastfeeding message is the Breastfeeding Café. The Breastfeeding Café is an interactive, educational display offered daily during August (Breastfeeding Month) at the Salt Lake City Public Library. This café offers educational workshops, seminars, materials, references/resources related to breastfeeding promotion, support, and lactation management. Last year (2006) was the first year that the Coalition sponsored this month-long event and it was a complete success.
Healthy Weight in Women Action Learning Collaborative (ALC)
Utah is one of eight states selected to participate in the ALC, which is funded by the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health (CDC/DRH), the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP), and CityMatCH. The aim of the ALC is to build state and local capacity to help women of reproductive age achieve healthy weight before, during, and after pregnancy. The ALC brings together 8 multi-disciplinary teams to strengthen partnerships, implement evidence-based strategies, build community participation, and overcome challenges for improving preventive health for women of reproductive age. Utah’s team consists of partners from the Utah Department of Health’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the Salt Lake Valley Health Department and WIC Program, and the University of Utah’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. These and other stakeholders are working together to develop a culturally and linguistically appropriate intervention to help women of reproductive age achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The intervention will be piloted in the Salt Lake Valley WIC clinics during the latter of half of 2007.
