Be Active
Supporting opportunities to be active in central Minnesota
It's estimated that more than 28% of Minnesota children are obese and overweight, driven primarily by a lack of physical activity, coupled with poor nutrition. The outcome is increased in heart disease, arthritis and obesity-related cancers. That, in turn, results in increasing rates of death, costly medical expenses and devastation among central Minnesota’s families and communities.
At Feeling Good MN, we have assembled a coalition of medical professionals, policy makers, educators, health care advocates, and parents who are committed to improving the health of children in Central Minnesota by reducing the epidemic of childhood obesity.
What We’ve Done & Where We’re Going
By coordinating resources and programs, we strive to make a significant impact on childhood obesity. In 2006, we set out on an ambitious journey to lower the BMI (body-mass index) of children in central Minnesota by 10% over ten years. In fact, CentraCare Health released data that showed the rate of 12-year-olds who were overweight or obese had a 24 percent decline over six years in the greater St. Cloud region.
We will continue to advance health and wellness in our communities through environmental and system changes that are broad-based and sustainable.
Healthier Communities Start Here
Learn more about the initiatives we are working on to encourage active lifestyles.
Safe Routes to School
The Safe Routes to School program is improving communities to make it easier and safer for kids to walk and bike to school. We partner with communities, schools and parents to institute Safe Routes programs that reflect the unique needs of central Minnesota communities.
To learn more about the benefits of the Safe Routes to School and its benefits to our children, click here.
Bikeable, Walkable Communities
To encourage central Minnesota families to be more active, we are working with community leaders to make our towns and cities safer for walking and bicycling. That’s important because without the assurance of safer streets, families will be reluctant to participate in those healthy activities.
To learn more about the ambassador training program and its benefits to communities click here.
For more help, visit the following pages:
