Obesity and Chronic Illness Committee

Description and Activities

This committee's intent is to provide a community- based approach to address the growing problem of overweight and obesity, factors that contribute to the development and complications associated with many chronic illnesses.

The committee has four action groups, and among other items, over the next three years plans to:

  • Increase access to healthy foods/toys in grocery/convenience stores
  • Create Mobile farmers’ markets
  • Connect Durham resources, organizations and collaborations
  • Find a host for Bull City Open Streets
  • Increase worksite wellness initiatives among businesses
     

  The committee's 3-year Action Plan provides the details. 

Leadership and Membership

Current committee chairs are:

To learn more or to join the committee, email one of the co-chairs (above) or contact Erika Samoff, the Partnership Coordinator, at esamoff AT dconc DOT gov or 919-560-7833. 

[TOP]

Meetings

The Obesity and Chronic Illness committee meets on the Second Wednesday of each month from 8:30-10:00 in the Human Services Complex at the Durham County Health Department (414 E. Main Street). Take the nearest elevator to the third floor; once there, you will be escorted to the Board of Health meeting room. Our meetings generally include updates from the various working groups, discussions on future collaborations, and opportunities to partner on grants.

Meetings are open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend.

Upcoming Meetings in 2013:

  • March 13
  • April 10
  • May 8
  • June 12
  • July 10
  • August 14
  • September 11
  • October 9
  • November 13
  • December 11

[TOP]

Selected Committee Accomplishments

Recent accomplishments include:

  • Bull City Summer Streets closed one mile of downtown Durham’s streets to motorized vehicles and opened them to biking, walking, playing and physical activity
  • Helped revise the Durham Public School Wellness Policy
    Initiated a student-led School Wellness Committee at each high school with support from volunteer health professionals and school-based mentors
  • Creation of Durham Eating Smart Moving More fold-out brochure and map that is available in many area physician offices and community locations
  • Pilot of an after-school healthy snack program in six sites
  • Focus groups with residents on nutrition and community gardens
  • Collaboration between SNAP (food stamps) and Durham Public School's free and reduced lunch program so that families who were eligible for SNAP automatically received an application for school lunches
  • Numerous joint proposals on childhood obesity, community gardens, and cooking classes 

[TOP]

Publications and Reports of the Committee

  • Durham Eating Smart Moving More map and brochure. This is an easy-to-read map of Durham's parks, schools, trails, recreation centers, senior centers, and more. Learn which parks and recreation centers have basketball courts, playgrounds, and pools.  English (4MB)      Spanish (5.4MB)

  • Herald Sun Article December 2008: Eat Smart Move More is more than a slogan

[TOP]

Resources Related to the Work and Mission of the Committee

Obesity Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity
An overview of nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in the U.S.
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/index.html

Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina
The Burden of Obesity
This site has power point slide shows that cover many of the factors involved with the obesity epidemic in North Carolina.
http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/ObesityInNC/ObesityInNC.html

Eat Smart, Move More: North Carolina's Plan to Prevent Overweight, Obesity and Chronic Diseases Evidence Resource List
http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/TheEvidence/TheEvidence.html

Reports and fact sheets
Collection of national and state fact sheets, reports and surveillance tools pertaining to physical activity, nutrition, and obesity
http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/Data/DataReports.html
http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/Data/AdultData.html
http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/Data/ChildAndYouthData.html

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Site includes a news digest, grant opportunities, and research pertaining to obesity, nutrition and physical activity.
http://www.rwjf.org/pr/topic.jsp?topicid=1024

Nutrition Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Fruit and Veggies More Matters Website
Information about the importance of fruits and vegetables and helpful tips for increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/index.html

USDA Team Nutrition Materials Database
Educational and training materials related to food and nutrition.
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/schoolmeals/Resource_Cafe/Resource_Search.php

International Food Information Council
Timely information and resources on nutrition and food safety.
http://www.ific.org/index.cfm

American Dietetic Association
The world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Site includes position papers, brochures, tip sheets and much more.
www.eatright.org

USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)
FNIC Resource Lists help nutrition professionals and consumers locate information and materials for specific food and nutrition topics. Compiled by Nutrition Information Specialists, the lists provide resources in a variety of formats including articles, pamphlets, books, audio-visuals, and Web site links.
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=1&tax_subject=252

Community Garden Resources

North Carolina State University Community Gardens Site
This site includes national research on community gardening, local growing guides and resources, and a community gardener’s list serve.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/garden/CommunityGarden/

Food Insecurity Resources

Food Research Action Center
The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States. This site includes tool kits, fact sheets, resource guides, research, and a weekly national news digest.
www.frac.org

Physical Activity Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
Guidelines that describe the types and amounts of physical activity which offer substantial health benefits to Americans.
http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx

Policy and Environmental Change Resources

Active Living by Design
Active Living By Design creates community-led change by working with local and national partners to build a culture of active living and healthy eating. Site includes a community action model, research, news, and a calendar of events.
http://www.activelivingbydesign.org/

[TOP]

Community Partners Involved with the Committee

 [TOP]