Log in Subscribe

Resolve to be healthier

Posted 1/20/23

January is the time of year when many people resolve to better themselves in the months ahead. With the best of intentions, many folks start going to the gym more often, eat healthier and abstain …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Resolve to be healthier

Posted

January is the time of year when many people resolve to better themselves in the months ahead. With the best of intentions, many folks start going to the gym more often, eat healthier and abstain from alcohol. New year’s resolutions are also notorious for being broken almost as fast as they’re made. Yet with a little more discipline and determination, we can help set a positive example for the next generation to adopt healthier lifestyles. 

For many years now, Sullivan County has ranked near the bottom for health outcomes in New York State by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  The rankings are determined by a number of different factors including length and quality of life. A concerted effort by many different county government agencies and local organizations has helped to improve the strategy for addressing Sullivan County’s health outcomes. These efforts include easing access to medical care, taking steps to combat the opioid epidemic and encouraging healthier behaviors among young people. 

Earlier this month, state lawmakers and educators joined together in Albany in support of the Healthy School Meals for All Coalition. According to Feeding America, a nonprofit organization representing a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, one in seven children in New York experience hunger. Students experiencing hunger struggle to pay attention, have lower attendance, and are more likely to experience mental and physical health problems. 

It’s difficult to overstate just how important it is to encourage good habits early in order to build the foundation for living a healthy lifestyle. In 2022, Sullivan County partnered with Sullivan 180 on the “Empowering a Healthier Generation” campaign to enhance health and wellness activities in local schools.

Local organizations, such as A Single Bite, have done admirable work. The Youngsville-based nonprofit is funded through private donations and grants. For a few years now, families in Sullivan County have been able to have one freshly prepared meal provided to them each week by A Single Bite. Learn more about their efforts by visiting asinglebite.org.

Between county and state efforts, as well as the tireless work of local organizations and volunteers, Sullivan County is poised to make healthy strides in 2023.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here