Director's Message

March 24, 2006

To: DHS employees

From: Dr. Bruce Goldberg, DHS Director

"Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps"

David Lloyd George

I QUIT!

Now before you jump to any conclusions, let me explain. I'm not quitting my position here at DHS; I hope to stay for a long time coming. It's the elevator that I'm quitting. I'm going to begin climbing the stairs as of this week and I urge you to join me or find some other way to stay physically active.

I know that some of us work in buildings that don't have stairs and that some of us are unable to climb stairs. The point here is that as we work collectively to improve the health of Oregonians, it's important that we do all we can as individuals to be healthy. 

Taking the stairs is a small thing but it is one step among many that I can take to improve my health, maintain my weight and avoid developing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and arthritis. There are many other steps we can all take to be sure we are physically active and that we eat a healthy diet. The important thing is to take those steps.

If you're still not convinced of the importance of this issue, consider the following statistics:

• In 2004, 59% of adult Oregonians were obese or overweight.
• From 1990 to 2004 the prevalence of obesity among adults in Oregon increased 103%.
• Only 60% of adults in Oregon meet the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) minimum recommendations for levels of physical activity (30 minutes of moderate activity five or more days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous activity three or more days per week).And just 28% of adults eat the recommended five or more fruits and vegetables a day.

Oregon's children don't fare much better. Recent statistics show that in 2004, 22% of eighth-grade and 23% of 11th grade students were overweight. The good news is students are more physically active than adults: 83% of eighth-graders and 76% of 11th-graders meet CDC recommendations. However, students, like adults, need to eat more fruits and vegetables. Only 30% of eighth-grade and 21% of 11th-grade students eat five or more a day.

Given the alarming rate of obesity both nationally and in Oregon, the department is placing an emphasis on reducing the incidence of this preventable condition among adults and children. Even if you live with physical challenges, some type of fitness program can be a positive option for you. You should always check with your health care provider before entering into any kind of fitness activities. Some fitness centers now also have customized or specialized services for those with physical challenges.

Obesity ultimately results from more calories consumed than expended. Interventions to prevent and reduce obesity that the department is pursuing address both calorie-in (healthy eating) and calorie-out (physical activity) strategies.

According to the CDC, regular physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of premature death among adults in the following ways:

• Helps to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight;
• Reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and the risk of dying from CHD;
• Reduces the risk of stroke;
• Lowers the risk of developing high blood pressure;
• Lowers the risk of developing non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus;
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer;
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety;
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints;
• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling or becoming excessively fatigued.

As for those younger among us, regular physical activity can help children and adolescents:

• Develop and maintain a healthy weight;
• Develop muscular strength;
• Develop cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness;
• Develop bone mass (through weight-bearing physical activities);
• Reduce blood pressure (for hypertensive youth);
• Reduce anxiety and stress;
• Increase self-esteem.

DHS Public Health programs in collaboration with many partners are spreading information about how to stay healthy through worksites, schools, WIC programs, childcare settings and communities across the state. Multi-disciplinary teams from Oregon counties will gather in Bend April 27 and 28 for the third annual Healthy Active Oregon training. Participants will learn from CDC and other national and local speakers the most effective ways to form partnerships and increase opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating at work, at school, and at play.

The department is also focusing a targeted effort this year to reduce obesity in children. State public health programs are working to promote environments that support physical activity and healthy eating in the entire community, which in turn will affect obesity in those youngest among us. Other activities include supporting the Shape-up Across Oregon program aimed at promoting physical activity in elementary schools; supporting State Parks and Recreation Step Up to Health initiative aimed at promoting physical activity in youth; convening statewide 5-a-day campaign focusing on promotion of healthy nutrition through schools; promoting Walk and Bike to School Day; promoting TV Turnoff Week. We are also working to train county coalitions to address childhood obesity, and assist them in applying for additional funding to implement their ideas and to participate in the Healthy Kids Learn Better Coalition to address school policies promoting physical activity and nutrition.

Oregonians value health. As a department, we should try to be role models for others as we work to help promote healthy choices. The goal of all these efforts is to make the healthy choice the easy choice no matter where you are in life -- whether you are a child, working professional or senior.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.

If you have a disability and need this message to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us, or call (503) 947-5107. You can also fax your request to (503) 373-7690, or call (503) 947-5080 for TTY service. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.