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Friday, April 3, 2009
National Public Health Week is April 6 - 10, 2009 |
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON – Since 1900, public health activities are responsible for over 25 of the 30 years added to the average person's lifespan in the United States, while medical advances account for four years. To celebrate and promote healthier communities, Public Health – Seattle & King County, King County and elected leaders will be hosting community walks during National Public Health Week.
On Monday, April 6, King County Councilmember and Board of Health Chair Julia Patterson and Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, will lead the 30 minute kick-off walk beginning at the Chinook Building, 401 5th Avenue, in Seattle. More information about the Monday walk and noon walks through Thursday is at www.kingcounty.gov/HealthMatters.
"Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your health and feel better," said Dr. Fleming. "Celebrate better health with us, or find time to walk on your own or with friends and family."
In addition to the daily walks, Public Health, in cooperation with the Washington State Public Health Association and the University of Washington's School of Public Health and Community Medicine, is participating in an inventive national campaign to show how public health benefits everybody's health.
Called This is Public Health, the campaign uses bright red stickers to mark objects that represent public health contributions to a healthier community. Campaign participants have submitted photos of the marked objects, and the best examples will be featured on Public Health's website during Public Health week at www.kingcounty.gov/health.
"Public Health matters to everyone, but most people don't realize the impact that it has on their lives," said Board of Health Chair Patterson. "What's great about the This is Public Health campaign is that it tells the story of public health in a way that is real, understandable and fun." For more information about "This is Public Health" campaign, visit www.whatispublichealth.org.
To honor this year's Public Health Week activities, King County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels have declared April 6-10 as Public Health Week for King County and Seattle.
"Let's celebrate the value of Public Health for healthier lives and a better economy," said Executive Sims. "It's an investment that pays back many times over, with healthier, more able, productive people with less need for expensive health care."
"We're a city that's well known for taking healthy living to heart," said Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. "As spring begins, we can celebrate Public Health Week in our outstanding parks, on miles of safe walking routes and shopping our farmers markets for fresh and healthy foods."
Details for walks:
All walks are open to the public and King County employees Monday through Thursday. Walks leave the Chinook building, 401 5th Avenue in Seattle, at noon, and will average one-half hour in length.
Monday, April 6 -- Join King County Council Member and Board of Health Chair Julia Patterson and Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, on a walk through the International District.
Tuesday April 7 -- Join the King County Health Matters Team as they discuss worksite wellness on the way to the Frye Art Museum. The walk has hills, but is only one mile round trip.
Wednesday, April 8 -- Walk with Kurt Triplett, King County Executive Chief of Staff, in celebration of the American Heart Association's Start! Walking Day. King County employees from several downtown worksites will merge together on their way to a rally at Pike Place Market.
Thursday, April 9 -- Join the King County Health Matters Team for a 1.4 mile roundtrip walk to Freeway Park. Learn more about the worksite wellness programs at King County and share success stories.
Friday, April 10 – King County furlough day; no walk scheduled.
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Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health - Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. |