Although sure there are acute conditions that pop up every so often, the impact of chronic illness impacts many lives, but is not as obvious. The Cayuga County Department of Health, Department of Community Health Services is working on taking many steps to make the outdoors of Cayuga County more accessible and an atmosphere where families can live, eat, and play outdoors safely and conveniently. A few of the initiatives include creating community gardens, partnering with restaurants to offer healthier menu choices, promoting farmer's markets and local produce, enhancing county trails, and working on transportation policies. All of these efforts will make a huge difference in a rural community like Cayuga-- there is so much space and so many resources for healthy produce, outdoor physical activity, and overall healthy choices that will lower risk of obesity, type two diabetes, and more. However, without initiatives like this, oftentimes, county citizens are just not aware that they too could walk on trails and even grow their own fresh produce. Also, throughout working with Cayuga County this year, I've heard numerous times what an issue transportation is. So although this is more of a general initiative, improving transportation policies and making streets safer will allow children to play outside more often, and it will allow those who might not otherwise have access to the hospital, to be able to get adequate healthcare.
As a doctor, I think my role in promoting healthy living is extremely important and its all about the resources I'm aware of and what I suggest to my patients. I can only make a difference if I give them a "prescription" for ways they can change their lifestyles feasibly and start living a healthier life.
http://web.cayugacounty.us/web/Departments/HealthDepartment/CommunityHealthServices/CreatingHealthyPlacestoLiveWorkandPlay.aspx
