Lake County agencies join forces to combat obesity

It's never too late to start eating healthy, exercising and losing weight, but most people need motivation.

Several Lake County public and private agencies are offering that push to help residents achieve their goals of better living.

A coalition of Lake County groups, including hospitals, school, park and library districts, businesses, the county health department and other government and private agencies, on Monday launched the "Healthy Lake County" initiative.

Its major push is April 12-18 and Sept. 22- 28.

It offers resources to fight a national epidemic of obesity, inactivity and poor diets, said Dave Hayward, president and CEO of Lake County Family YMCA.

According to the Lake County Health Department, nearly 22 percent of county residents are overweight and obese, and 20 percent are physically inactive.

A series of community events is planned across the county this month and through the summer in support of the initiative. More programs and activities will be added in the fall when the coalition plans to sponsor a countywide launch event.

Activities include community 5K runs, walks, a bike rodeo, fishing derby, block parties and hoop nights.

"This is a long-term initiative; this is not something that will be around for a couple of months," Hayward said.

This year, as part of the YMCA's annual nationwide Healthy Kids Day on April 12, the agency is launching the Healthy Family Home program.

Families will be offered starter kits, developed by the YMCA of America, providing ideas on nutrition, games and activities. Information is available at www.healthyfamilyhome.org.

Healthy Lake County will eventually help create a speaker's bureau of experts on health topics. Officials also expect the effort to grow beyond the roughly 60 partner agencies now part of the coalition.

"It's so critical that people know that this initiative is backed by all the experts in Lake County," said state Rep. Kathy Ryg, a Democrat from Vernon Hills.

A Web site has been set up with resources and information for developing healthier lifestyles. It will provide links to activities countywide, partner agencies' Web sites, and downloadable resource materials. Visit www.healthylakecounty.org.

Information will eventually be available in Spanish, and all program materials and resources will be available through the partner agencies.

"We are looking to become a trusted resource to the community," Hayward said.