Active and Healthy Communities

There are many ways the Newport office can help shape a healthier community. We can:

• share examples of language that promotes health with cities and towns in order to strengthen regional plans.

• provide public health data and information to inform planning.

• provide education about why sidewalks and healthy foods options in local markets are important.

• connect you with useful resources and provide examples of similar work done in other communities to help you on your way.

• look for funds to help town officials and organizations support health-promoting efforts

• Healthy Foods:  Health Care Shares:  North Country Hospital and Vermont Youth Conservation Corps team up to provide food as prescriptions to increase health.

• Physical Activity:  The Wellness Center offers affordable exercise classes for every age and ability.

• Walk/Bike Path:  The Newport-Beebe Bike Path (about 6 miles in length), starts in Downtown Newport, winds its way through the city and connects with the old railroad line.

What does 3-4-50 mean?

3 behaviors – lack of physical activity, poor diet, and tobacco use – lead to 4 chronic diseases – cancer, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease – that are the cause of more than 50 percent of all deaths in Vermont.

This understanding inspires us to take action. Communities that are built to support physical activity, safe walking and biking, use of public transportation, and easy access to fresh foods are essential for good health.

See how Vermont Cities & Towns support health