County Health Department celebrates Public Health Week

County Health Department celebrates Public Health Week

Family Fun Day at 7th Street location today from 11- 1

news@theeveningtimes.com

The Crittenden County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) observes Public Health Week April 4-8. The public is encouraged to visit the health unit on 7th Street during the week to learn about Crittenden County’s health and the services the Health Department provides.

Public Health Week is observed during the first full week in April each year.

During the week, health professionals connect with individuals and communities to show them how public health helps Arkansans improve their own health, protect themselves form epidemics and provides preventative health services in their communities. This year’s national theme, “Healthiest Nation 2030, focuses on the steps it will take to make the US the healthiest nation in one generation — by 2030.

ADH has made “Healthiest Arkansas 2030” the state’s theme this year.

“Public Health Week is a great time to commit to being more physically active and eating more fruits and vegetables,” said Crittenden County Health Unit Administrator Crystal Moore. If we all commit to moving more, eating better and being good healthy role models for our children, we can make a bid impact on the overall health of Crittenden County residents, and make a healthier place for our children to grow.”

Crittenden County’s Hometown Health Coalition has worked with the community to reduce juvenile delinquency and assisted parent in the community with proper discipline techniques. The Coalition has planned a Hometown Family Fun Day for April 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ascent Children’s Health Services located at 413 W. Tyler, in West Memphis. The topics of discussion will be literacy, underage drinking, gateway drugs, and secondhand smoking.

According to the 2015 County Health Rankings, Crittenden County ranks 68th healthiest out of 75 counties in Arkansas. The major factors contributing to this ranking include: Tobacco use, obesity, physical activity, lack of access to healthy foods, lack of access to health care, low educational level, high child poverty and unemployment.

The featured activity for Thursday at the Crittenden County Health Unit is Knock Out Sodas Day during business hours. Friday follows with Get Your Plate in Shape, Eat Right from 10 until noon.

For more information about National Public Health Week 2016 in Arkansas visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.

By the Evening Times News Staff