Resolution : NDPHA in Support of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity State Plan

Whereas we recognize that when North Dakotans create health-promoting environments, are physically active, eat healthy foods and live in communities that support those behaviors, we can prevent and control chronic diseases , improve the quality of life, reduce the healthcare financial burden to individuals and organizations and enable people to live healthy, productive lives.

Whereas, 50 percent of North Dakota adults have at least one chronic illness, 48 percent do not meet physical activity recommendations, 66 percent are overweight or obese, 27 percent have hypertension, 21 percent are binge drinkers, 19 percent are smokers, and 8 percent have diabetes^#;

Whereas modifiable lifestyle choices cost North Dakotans $250 million in smoking-attributable health care expenditures (2008)^$ and $209 million in obesity-attributable health care expenditures (1998-2000)*;

Whereas limited funds are available to provide training, technical assistance, and resources to state and local partners;

Whereas there are very few funds available for social marketing in North Dakota, and there is not a comprehensive, coordinated social marketing plan for the state to reduce obesity, improve nutrition and increase physical activity;

Whereas people with disabilities and the American Indian population in North Dakota are disparately affected by obesity and chronic diseases and there is limited contact with existing networks in priority populations;

Therefore be it resolved that the North Dakota Public Health Association supports the goals of the North Dakota Healthy Eating and Physical Activity State Plan for Action and the efforts of the Local Public Health Nutritionists which are to...

• Create and sustain healthy eating and physical activity environments through policy development;
• Improve access to healthy foods and places for physical activity ;
• Promote healthy lifestyles by building and enhancing partnerships;
• Use best and promising practices to guide efforts to improve healthy eating and physical activity;
• Continually and respectfully work to reduce disparities related to physical inactivity and poor nutrition.

Adopted this 21st day of September 2010, North Dakota Public Health Association