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Health and Wellness
Washington County Healthy Communities Initiative
  
The Washington County Health Department exists to assure a healthful environment, prevent disease, and prolong life and well being for the citizens of Washington County.  One of the primary resources in accomplishing these objectives is the Department's Healthy Communities Grant.  This Initiative is funded by the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and administered by the Ohio Department of Health.
 
The Initiaitve seeks to reduce the incidence of chronic disease among the residents of Washington County by creating healthy homes, schools, worksites and other community venues through policy, system, and environmental changes.  The efforts of this Initiaitve are guided by the Healthy Communities Coalition.  Collaborative members of the Coalition include:
 
Get Fit Marietta Taskforce
The Right Path for Washington County
Washington County Harvest of Hope
 
Do You Have a Healthy Idea?
 
Do you have an idea to improve the health of your community?  The Washington County Healthy Communities Initiative would like to hear from you.  Most of the projects that have been funded through the Healthy Communities Grant have come from concerned, local organizations and individuals wishing to invest in the future health of their communities.  If your school, worksite, church or other community group has an idea, but needs assistance turning that idea into action, please contact Court Witschey at 740-374-2782 or cvh@washco-ohhealth.org.
 
Chronic Disease and Health Promotion
 
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and arthritis are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems in the United States.
  • 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year are from chronic diseases.  Heart disease, cancer and stroke account for more than 50% of those deaths.
  • 1 out of every 2 adults has at least one chronic illness.
  • 25% of people with a chronic condition have at least one daily activity limitation.
Modifiable risk factors (personal behaviors we can change) are responsible for much of the illness, suffering and early death related to chronic diseases.
  • More than 1/3 of all adults do not meet recommendations for physical activity, and 23% report no leisure-time physical activity at all.
  • Less than 22% of high school students and 24% of adults report eating the minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
  • More than 43 million American adults (approximately 1 in 5) smoke.