Chronic Disease Prevention

Action Team

Encourages active lifestyles at all life ages, increased consumption of healthy food and beverages, and promotion of health screenings.

Meeting time: Meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 8:30-10:00am

Co-Chairs: Janessa VandenBerge and Lisa Wells

a father carrying his two daughters each in one arm through a field of tall grass

Why is this an important health issue in Eau Claire?

Chronic diseases are among the most common and costly of health problems. Most chronic diseases are preventable, yet most community members agree that healthy lifestyle choices and managing risk factors are not the easy or desirable option.

Communities are healthier when all people can always eat healthy food and have enough fruits and vegetables; meals with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fat; and drinks and food with low sugar and low fat, and when they are physically active.

Community members have identified that being physically active is not the easy or desirable choice, some people cannot afford enough food, or that health care or personal practices for healthy weight management are not the easy or desirable option.

a hand delicately holding the flower part of a sunflower up

Goals and

Objectives:

2021-2024

  • Objective 1: By end of 2024, implement, support, or expand at least 3 initiatives to improve Eau Claire County residents’ awareness and knowledge of healthy nutrition.

    Objective 2: By end of 2024, implement, support, or expand at least 3 initiatives to make healthy eating more accessible, affordable, and convenient for all.

  • Objective 1: By the end of 2024, implement, support, or expand at least 5 strategies that promote physical activity in a variety of places and spaces.

Goals and objectives are developed based on root cause analysis, current evidence, state and national plans, and community input, assets, and readiness. More information on this process can be found in Eau Claire County’s Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan.

two parents encouraging their son to try new food

Projects:

  • Partnering with Visit Eau Claire on the Geau Outside pass

  • Working to promote the Lake Street Farmers market to people who receive WIC or Senior Farmers Market Vouchers, and people who live in the neighborhood near the market.

  • Promoting wayfinding signs in the community

  • Helping Bike and Pedestrian Committee to make Eau Claire more bike-friendly

  • Promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity at outreach events

  • Promoted physical activity for older adults through a Winter Wellness Challenge

  • Promoted healthy nutrition at Sounds like Summer Concert series, and on social media with the Harvest of the Month program

Our action team has created multiple resources to best serve you.

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Do you want to help the Chronic Disease Prevention Action Team develop healthy communities?