About Us
Live Healthy Appalachia
Live Healthy Appalachia, based in Athens, Ohio, is a grassroots community-university partnership to improve the health and wellness of Appalachia. Through the Appalachian Health Summit and the various initiatives we are undertaking, we will build upon the assets of Appalachia and respond to the unique needs of our area.
A community health initiative developed to reverse the rising rates of chronic diseases in our region.
VISION: The vision of the Initiative is to improve the health and well-being of individuals and organizations in the Appalachian region.
PURPOSE: Its purpose is to organize a series of events and activities, many producing measurable results, by and for community members. These events will educate, inspire and move individuals and organizations to make healthier lifestyle choices.
KEY EVENT: The 1st Annual Summit to Reverse and Prevent Chronic Disease in Appalachia. This series of lectures will be held in Athens May 19-21, 2011. A number of renowned speakers will address employers, health professionals and community members on reversing and preventing chronic disease through lifestyle modification.
PARTNERS: Live Healthy Appalachia's partners include Ohio University's College of Health Sciences and Professions and College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the City of Athens, the Athens County Commissioners, the Athens County Department of Health, and the Athens City and County schools.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that more than 75% of all our chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, are lifestyle related. Studies have clearly demonstrated that over 50% of these conditions can be halted, reversed and/or prevented by proper nutrition and other lifestyle changes. According to a report published in 2008 by the National Center for Health Statistics, the results of our society's lack of focus on the cure of these diseases is a healthcare bill of 1.5 trillion annually and deaths of over 1.5 million Americans annually. Additionally, the 2006 Appalachian Rural Health Institute reported that Southeastern Ohio has some of the highest rates of chronic diseases in the country. We believe that we have a moral obligation to begin an assault on these deadly conditions!
REASON FOR ACTION:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that more than 75% of all our chronic
diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, are lifestyle related. Studies clearly
demonstrate that over 50% of these conditions can be halted, reversed and/or prevented by proper
nutrition and other lifestyle changes. According to a report published in 2008 by the National Center
for Health Statistics, the results of our society's lack of focus on the cure of these diseases is a
healthcare bill of 1.5 trillion annually and deaths of over 1.5 million Americans annually. Additionally,
the 2006 Appalachian Rural Health Institute reported that Southeastern Ohio has some of the highest
rates of chronic diseases in the country. We believe that we have a moral obligation to begin an
assault on these deadly conditions!
WHAT WE CAN EXPECT:
With the assistance of our partners and other community organizations we can ramp up a campaign to aggressively promote the values of lifestyle modification. If the Initiative is successful, among the accomplishments we can list:
- Community leaders will become more aggressively involved in offering incentives that will engage their employees to become more successful in their lifestyle modification efforts.
- Healthcare professionals will understand that although pills and procedures are important in the treatment of these diseases' symptoms, proper nutritional habits and other lifestyle changes are the best option for halting and reversing chronic disease.
- Individual members of the community will understand that they are the locus of change. They can empower themselves, their friends, and family members to live healthier, higher-quality lives in the future.
- Ohio University, appointed as a Center of Excellence for Health and Wellness by the governor's office can be a significant agent of change in this effort. As a result of the University's efforts, the community will realize that the University is connected to the people of the region and has a vested interest in the well-being of our geographic area.
- The success of our Summit will provide a model for other communities, as they initiate similar efforts throughout the country.
Community members have formed committees and are assisting our efforts by organizing Initiative activities in the 7 areas listed above. Each activity is designed to either promote awareness or encourage healthier lifestyles.
Each committee is organizing at least one project before the Health Summit in May, and one or more afterward to ensure the sustainability of our Initiative.
By collaborating with a variety of local community organizations on both existing and/or new activities we hope to bring about a more positive, synergistic effect on the health of individuals throughout our area.
We continue to look for more enthusiastic volunteers who are committed to our vision and also for funding entities (or individuals) that can help in making our vision a reality.
