In fact prevention is our best hope for healthcare reform in our country.  In the past

One of the keys to implementing community health prevention strategies is to be careful not to narrow the focus of “who and “what” constitutes health promotion and prevention.  Several years ago I was involved in helping to organize a group here in Walton County called The Friends of Walton.  This group was formed with the intention of being a catalyst for change in development practices in Walton Co.  Much of the discussion at that time revolved around what is called Smart Growth Principles.  In large part Smart Growth is about creating pedestrian friendly communities with emphasis on preservation and creation of green space.   In effect these principles create a healthier more prevention oriented community by creating an environment that fosters a more active lifestyle.  Today this group is in the process of helping to create a new city park off of Spring St. in downtown Monroe that boasts a walking trail as the main part of its design. 

Last year Walton County saw the opening of its only regularly scheduled weekly farmers Market, The Midland Avenue Produce Jam.  The Produce Jam has increased access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to the entire community.  This year the Produce Jam will be part of a pilot project with the state of Georgia to begin accepting food stamps at the Market.  The Produce Jam is a small step to promoting a healthier diet for all Walton County Citizens.  

Years ago, we would have never included the Parks and Recreation Department, city and county codes, developers, local elected officials, farmers, or backyard gardeners when having a discussion about who should be involved with prevention of chronic illness and disease.  However, today we now know that community health promotion and prevention involves everyone.  The state of our health is influenced by all aspects of life where we live, our occupation, where we shop, how we get there, what we do with our leisure time and even our education level.  All of these elements influence how healthy we are and as a community how healthy we can become.  Creating a healthy community is not just about the medical care available but about the willingness of community leaders, organizations, government, churches, civic clubs and citizens to work together to ensure a community wide focus on health and prevention.  For more information or to contact me please visit us online at www.waltonwellnessonline.com.