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6 <br /> <br />Priority: Physical Activity and Nutrition <br /> <br />Obesity remains a top health concern for Orange County adults and children. Chronic <br />diseases are the leading cause of death in Orange County, and heavily influenced by <br />physical activity and nutrition. Prevention is the most effective way to address obesity and <br />the chronic diseases related to it. Effective prevention means ensuring safe places for <br />physical activity and access to healthy foods in all communities. The Board of Health will <br />work to address these issues through two focus areas: <br />1) Advocate for and pursue policies, practices, and partnerships aimed at <br />increasing access to healthy foods and safe places for physical activity. <br />2) Advocate for and pursue evidence-based policies, practices, and partnerships <br />that increase physical activity and improve nutrition in schools. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Action Steps <br /> <br />Focus Area #1 – Advocate for and pursue policies, practices, and partnerships <br />aimed at increasing access to healthy foods and safe places for physical <br />activity. <br />1) By May 2018, the PAN Subcommittee will explore providing incentives to food retailers <br />to locate in and/or offer healthier food and beverage choices in underserved areas <br />(food deserts) with the newly formed Orange County Food Policy Council. <br />2) By January 2018, Health Department staff will conduct a nutritional review of the <br />Homestead Aquatic Center and provide policy and food labeling recommendations to <br />increase availability and choice of healthy food options. <br />3) By May 2017, the PAN Subcommittee will explore the creation of a health app, like Be <br />Healthy Rockingham County, to highlight safe places for physical activity, programs, <br />trails, and other physical activity and nutrition options in Orange County. <br /> <br />Focus Area #2 – Advocate for and pursue evidence-based policies, practices, and <br />partnerships that increase physical activity and improve nutrition in schools. <br />1) By August 2017, Health Department staff will conduct an assessment of physical activity <br />options in both school districts, including the # and % that provide in -class activity <br />breaks, require daily PE, and have formal joint-use agreements to allow students and <br />families to use facilities after school and on weekends (School Health Index). <br />2) By December 2016, Health Department staff will seek a local funding partnership to <br />provide small grants for school staff to implement in-class or other short activity breaks <br />during the school day. <br /> <br />