I See Green, Do You?

Although the Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Program’s second annual Advancing Healthy Lifestyles (AHL) Conference was a month ago, I can still see the greenery and hear the sounds of the conference.

The vibe, the energy, and the camaraderie that I felt then and now are still vivid in my mind.

It was not coincidental that the AHL Conference was held on June 6, National Gardening Exercise Day. The green theme was by design for sure. The breakfast, snacks, and lunch were delicious — and also very healthy. The healthy choice was the easy choice. I visited the Kent County Master Gardeners’ table at the exhibit area. I didn’t know that they offer so many free workshops right at the conference site at Delaware State University (DSU).

Speaking of DSU, I can still hear our marching orders from Dr. Tony Allen, president and CEO of DSU. Dr. Allen said we are at ground zero for healthy lifestyles. The recent report released by PANO, The Burden of Chronic Disease in Delaware 2024, confirmed that we are indeed at ground zero, especially related to obesity. According to the PANO report, more than 70% of Delaware adults are overweight or obese. Non-Hispanic Black adults have the highest prevalence of obesity, compared with non-Hispanic white adults and Hispanic adults in Delaware.

Dr. Allen also reminded conference attendees and the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Coalition that we are leaders and not followers. Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee talked about her humble beginnings and how she overcame asthma and personal childhood obstacles. Joyner-Kersee is a leader and not a follower. She did not sit on the side and wait for someone to invite her to the podium for those shiny medals. She jumped in and worked at it. So, we have to do the same if we are truly leaders and not followers.

So, what have you been doing since the AHL Conference? Have you jumped in to improve well-being and break down barriers between Delawareans and achieving healthy lifestyles?

I started my own effort in my neighborhood. A neighbor who recently lost his spouse was suffering from depression. He started smoking again to deal with the pain of loneliness. His once well-manicured garden was filled with weeds and dead plants. He stopped exercising and working in his yard. I offered to pull out the weeds and dead plants. He promised to do the rest. And he did!

I am seeing green shoots in my neighbor’s garden again. Are you seeing green in your garden and your community? When the AHL Coalition comes back next year for the third annual conference, will we be talking about green shoots and not ground zero?

I hope we will!

Kudos to the AHL Conference Steering Committee for their effort in organizing this year’s conference on promoting healthy lifestyles. Love the green theme! #AHLDE24

Bet

Reference: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, The Burden of Chronic Disease in Delaware 2024, June 2024