Immediate Release
June 30, 2009
Batavia, Ohio. “Over 90 percent of Clermont County citizens questioned say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their life and most say they are in good, very good, or excellent health,” said the Clermont General Health District’s Jennifer Vesper. The Health District, utilizing a Healthy Weight in Ohio Communities grant, worked with the Center for Urban and Public Affairs at Wright State University to conduct a community health survey; the study questioned 900 citizens about their health and nutrition habits. A separate survey of fourth graders in the county was taken, and the results will be available at a later date.
The study also found that a significantly higher percentage of respondents do not participate in any physical activity, which is above state and national comparisons. Two-thirds of all participants say they have a weight problem. “While the number of county citizens who smoke is higher than the state and national average, over half of smokers say they have tried to quit in the past year,” added Vesper.
“As a way to increase public awareness about the importance of health and nutrition, Clermont CAN (Coalition for Activity and Nutrition) will distribute a booklet at various locations throughout the county in July highlighting the many county, township, and community parks that offer free or no cost facilities for walking, tennis, volleyball, and many other activities,” said Clermont Assistant Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit. The Places and Spaces book will be available at the Clermont General Health District office (2275 Bauer Road in Batavia), Clermont County Public Libraries, the Board of Clermont County Commissioners offices (101 E. Main in Batavia) and can be downloaded online at www.ClermontHealthDistrict.org.
“I think it is very important for parents to unplug children from their video games and spend quality time doing activities together,” said Clermont YMCA Executive Director Debi White, a Clermont CAN partner. Health experts say a mere 10 minutes of exercise a day can improve our overall fitness.
Pictured above: Children enjoy an afternoon swim in the Clermont YMCA pool.
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.