When it comes to physical activity and health, we know that regular physical activity can produce long term health benefits and reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. And when it comes to opportunities to be physically activity, we know that we need to do more to create communities where everyone can make physical activity a part of their daily routine – through safe spaces to walk, run, bike, wheelchair roll, and play.
America’s health could be better. Here in Nashville our health care is among the best in the world, but our health could be better. It must get better. Nashville is booming right now, but if we can’t sustain our health and the health of our workforce, our soaring economy will no longer soar, and our vibrant community will lose its shine. If we don’t pay attention to the health of our children and youth, they won’t learn and our city won’t advance.

Written by Alexandra Black, Health Promotion Manager at IHRSA

June marks Employee Health and Fitness month. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 90 percent of workers spend more than 40 hours per week at work, which makes the workplace a great place to target and change health behaviors. …

On June 14, 2016, more than 150 stakeholders gathered at the Lentz Public Health Center in Nashville for what felt like a treasure hunt. We were seeking ways to strengthen local public health departments in their efforts to address the social determinants of health (economic development, education, transportation, food, environment, and housing). This is the goal of Public Health 3.0 , a term coined by Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo, Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, to describe a bold expansion in the scope and reach of public health.