DHSS Press Release

PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK AIMS TO EDUCATE OVERWEIGHT, INACTIVE PUBLIC

Obesity in Delaware increasing, activity continues to decline

Overweight and inactive Delawareans are encouraged to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle during National Public Health Week April 7-13. The week, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA) and supported by Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH), focuses on the theme "Getting in Shape for the Future: Healthy Eating and Active Living."

Public Health Week is one of many ways DPH works to educate residents about their health in order to make Delaware a state of healthy people in healthy communities. DPH's data analysis reveals that obesity is increasing statewide, while activity levels continue to decline. Meanwhile, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Delaware at 29 percent of deaths. Specific findings of data analysis include:

• 1,981 residents died of heart disease in 2000
• 30,500 Delaware residents in 1988 were diabetic, according to DPH's Burden of Diabetes report,
• 11 percent of Delaware students in grades 9-12 are obese,
• 59 percent of Delaware adults are overweight or obese,
• 28 percent of Delaware adults report getting no physical activity, and
• 78 percent of Delaware adults report eating less than five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

"Poor nutrition, inadequate activity and being overweight have a significant impact on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes," said Maureen E. Dempsey, MD, DPH Director. "Adopting healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, moderate to vigorous exercise and avoiding tobacco use, will serve residents well for years come."

To help young adults develop those healthy habits, DPH launched the "Get Up and Do Something" public service campaign. The campaign encourages Delawareans to participate in active forms of recreation - dancing, skating, playing Frisbee - to stay fit.

DPH also encourages Delawareans to enroll in the Lt. Governor's Challenge. Residents can sign up to track their activity level for three months. All types of physical activity qualify -- from housecleaning to weight lifting. At the end of three months, residents total their points to qualify for a gold, silver or bronze medal. To enroll, go to www.state.de.us/ltgov.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.