MARCH 2014 NEWSLETTER ISSUE 37

Supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Program, Minnesota Department of Health.

U of MN Study finds there is at least one way to get employees moving and boost production Treadmill desks and wireless headsets!

Mark Your Calendars March 22nd: 9:00am 1:00pm Buffalo Community Health Fair April 7th: 12:00pm 4:00pm Central MN Food Network Gathering (Little Falls) April 19th and April 26th 9:00am to 2:00pm School Garden 101 April 26th Spring Tonic (Buffalo Hospital Foundation) May 3rd FYCC Bike Rodeo St. Michael July 12th Open Streets Buffalo

While it may be unrealistic for many of us to have access to a treadmill desk, it is a great reminder to ensure you are incorporating movement, physical activity into everyday!

A Few Updates from Your Local SHIP Staff:

We are pleased to announce our Worksite Wellness strategy is poised to commence in the summer of 2014. SHIP staff will be seeking opportunities to present at local Chambers of Commerce, Rotaries, Lion's Clubs, etc. in an effort to educate our local business owners on this unique opportunity and partnership. The SHIP Worksite Wellness strategy will engage local employers to create sustainable initiatives in the areas of Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Smoke-Free Worksites, and Breastfeeding support. Free consultation, tools and templates are part of the project/ provided through SHIP dollars. This is a tremendous opportunity for local employers to receive free guidance and achieve success. Please feel free pass along the names of any interested local businesses to Alison at alison.schiebel@co.wright.mn.us On April 7th, Joel along with SHIP staff from Stearns, Sherburne and Benton Counties will be meeting with MN DOT staff, and members who sit on the Region 7W Transportation Advisory Council we are really looking forward to building strong partnerships with such an important ally in our Active Living work!

March Video Spotlight TED Talks How to start a movement

Local Roots Food Co-op now has an online marketplace! Check it our here

By supporting our local food cooperative you will also be helping local producers and enjoy some wonderful food!

Kudos Goes To: - There were 12 people (teachers, volunteers and parents) representing 5 local schools (Delano Elementary, Rockford Middle School, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Monticello Middle & High School) at the 2014 Schoolyard Gardens Conference! - Mark Preissing for his leadership with Open Streets Buffalo; he has been able to secure $13,000 for this years event, which will include the addition of 2 smaller events that will coincide with the Concerts in the Park! More information to be shared soon

From electronic cigarettes to transportation funding, it is an important time down at the capital. If you are interested, you can check out these links below to learn the latest on issues impacting our health and more: - Clearway Minnesota - Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota - Move MN - Hunger Solutions
(It is certainly not an exhaustive list and does not serve as promotion of these groups. Please let us know of other organizations you follow for health related issues at the state.)

News & Stories on Health, Obesity and Obesity Prevention

Put down that sugar: WHO says only 5% of your calories should come from sugar, down from 10% (Star Tribune, 3/5/2014) City Cycling: Healthful or hazardous to health? (MINNPOST, 3/11/2014) Sodexo food service company pledges better meals (Yahoo News, 3/12/2014) Sitting is sabotaging our health: Stand up for yourself (Star Tribune, 3/13/2014) A plunge in U.S. preschool obesity? Not so fast, experts say (Yahoo News, 3/17/2014)