Governor Kaine Promotes Healthy Lifestyles for All Virginians
– Virginia takes part in Healthy America Week –

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today visited Brookland Middle School to promote Healthy America Week, May 1 – 5.  The Governor spoke to students in gym and health/nutrition classes about the importance of exercise and good nutrition.  He then watched with one class a new public service announcement featuring Chicago Bears running back and Big Stone Gap native Thomas Jones and encouraging kids to get outdoors, play and be physically active.

“With over sixty percent of adult Virginians either overweight or obese, it is important that we start teaching our children healthy habits early on,” Governor Kaine said.  “I urge all Virginians to participate in Healthy America Week by adopting more nutritious eating habits and an active lifestyle.”

In 2003, the total estimated costs related to overweight and obesity in Virginia were approximately $1.6 billion, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Research Triangle Institute International (RTI).  Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The State Board of Health estimates that $750 million in hospital charges could be saved in Virginia if hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases were reduced by just 5 percent over the next five years.

Noting that the American Cancer Society says 60 to 70 percent of cancers may be prevented by positive changes in diet, weight control, physical activity and smoking, Governor Kaine urged students and their parents to adopt healthy habits, including:

• Burn more calories.  Accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
• Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. A serving equals a medium piece of fruit, one cup of leafy greens, or a half cup of cooked or raw fruit or vegetable.
• Quit smoking.  It’s the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Call the Virginia Department of Health’s Quit Now Virginia quitline at (800) QUIT NOW ((800) 784-8669).  Virginians can receive a self-help Quit Kit or phone-based sessions with a treatment specialist.
• Get regular checkups and health screenings.  They can detect potential problems in their early stages when they are more easily treated.  Ask your doctor which screenings are right for you.

Sponsored by the National Governor’s Association, Healthy America Week promotes healthier communities and increases awareness of the impact that unhealthy lifestyles have on individual and community health.  For more information on healthy living in Virginia, visit the Healthy Virginians Web site or go to the the Virginia Dep't of Health's Healthy Living pages.

# # #