Obesity-prevention Web site offers wide variety of information resources to Granite Staters

UNH Cooperative Extension (UNHCE) announces the launch of Lighten Up New Hampshire!, a health-promotion Web site designed to help Granite Staters working to address overweight and obesity.

Supporting the efforts of New Hampshire individuals, families, communities, schools, and health care professionals, the site features subsections containing the latest research-based information on food and nutrition, fitness, motivation, creating healthier communities, and resources for professionals. The site will also host interactive blogs and discussion forums.

"More than half the people in New Hampshire are obese or overweight, including about 20 percent of the state's children," says Charlene Baxter, who heads UNHCE's Family and Consumer Resources program. "Nationally, the annual direct and indirect costs associated with obesity add up to more than $231 billion."

"UNH Cooperative Extension has been reaching out to individuals, families and communities with health-promotion messages and programs for 91 years," Baxter continues. "This project expands the health education work we already do.

"We know the Web can serve as a powerful tool for organizing information and connecting people, yet no statewide Web site was collecting and integrating obesity-prevention resources specific to New Hampshire. We decided to create one."

A $215,000 grant from the HNH Foundation funded the Lighten Up New Hampshire! initiative. In addition to the Web site, the grant also funds the formation of a statewide Lighten Up NH! Alliance, a collaboration of agencies, organizations, and concerned individuals who will collectively continue to develop and expand the Lighten Up NH! Web site.

A sample of what site visitors can find at Lighten Up New Hampshire!

Community leaders might visit the Healthier Communities pages to download a worksheet on how to start a local wellness team.

Health professionals might want to check out the nation's top obesity research centers for information on the latest in obesity prevention and management.

And just about anyone might be interested in learning more about 10 healthy holiday foods, things to do and places to go in New Hampshire, or helpful resources for starting or maintaining an exercise program tailored to their stage of readiness or involvement.

Lost your oomph for exercise and healthful eating? Don't despair. Here's help.

Posted December 3, 2007 | TrackBack