Healthy Avondale 2010 complements the statewide Healthy Arizona 2010, an Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) health improvement initiative. Healthy Arizona 2010 is part of the national Healthy People movement, now in its third decade. Avondale has been invited to serve as a model community where every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthier life!
Healthy Avondale 2010 was officially launched on Oct. 1, 2003, marking a unique effort on the part of the City of Avondale, in partnership with ADHS, local businesses, schools, health care providers, community and faith-based organization and others, to build a healthier community. Healthy Avondale 2010 is an ongoing effort to raise awareness and encourage participation in each of the following Four Focus Areas.

• Healthy Lifestyle Choices

  This area encourages people to make smart choices when it comes to their health and well-being, whether it is wearing seatbelts or bike helmets, or avoiding drugs and tobacco.

• Healthy Eating

  This area advocates good nutritional and meal choices, including eating more fruits and vegetables.

• Physical Activity

  This area encourages individuals to "get moving" by participating in activities they enjoy everyday.

• Preventive Screenings

  This area focuses on regular health checkups for individuals of all ages.

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While some illnesses are beyond our control (we can't avoid catching a virus or an occasional bout of the flu) - many of today's health problems can be prevented. The United States is facing an epidemic of obesity. More people are becoming overweight. This has a critical impact on our children and puts them at greater risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Life has become too sedentary for many of us. The time spent at computers and in front of television is just part of the problem. Today's larger restaurant portions and our higher consumption of fats and sugars only add to the problem.

What can we do? Healthy Avondale 2010 involves the efforts of the entire community working to build a place where all residents - regardless of age or current health - are aware of ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Simple ways - such as walking, eating more fruits and vegetables, getting preventive screenings and more.

Visit this site often to explore the steps to good health and to learn of important resources and upcoming events. Even better, sign up to be a part of the Healthy Avondale 2010 effort! With your involvement, Avondale can lead Arizona in the right direction and achieve our goals by the year 2010.

Contact: Christina Lyons via e-mail.