Working Together For a Healthier Community

It has been four months since I posed the question “?”  That led to 15 different health-related articles incorporating Milford’s ability to empower a healthy community. Whether you have read all 15 or not, it is imperative that our community, our state and our country continue looking at health more proactively with prevention.

At the Healthy Futures Task Force meeting, 12 community health, school and youth leaders came together to consider these issues. Attendees included Robert Tremblay, the Milford Schools superintendent, and Judy Dagnese, the school system's director of nursing.

The group discussed , play initiatives, assistance, "Mindful Eating for Adolescents" classes, nutritional decathalons and community access grants.  We discussed using the and stroller fit walking groups.  There was discussion about offering healthier choices in the schools' and hospital's cafeterias.

Tremblay and Dagnese discussed the successful Healthy Kids Week, which included the cable television program and the 835 students and staff from who walked 2,286 miles in one day as part of Relay for Life! There was discussion of  greenhouses and community garden programs throughout town, at the schools and the .

Last week's change from a food "pyramid" to a food “plate’ was explained. There are nutritional, health and many wonderful opportunities for town involvement with fun healthy learning for families.

Twelve people out of approximately 27,000 residents of Milford came to this incredible meeting aimed at enhancing health, while partnering with community businesses, schools, wellness centers, and parks. Most people I know have been to the doctor, hospital, or pharmacy at least once this year. And they also used the grocery stores, gyms, schools and parks. Imagine if even 1 percent of these people could get involved? We need more motivated, caring business owners, wellness practitioners, and involved townspeople who can guide our community health, direct nutritional growth, and push for movement and health in our future. (And I know there are plenty of you out there who want to be a part of these types of programs!)

In addition to Tremblay and Dagnese, the following people attended the task force meeting: Bart Pinchuck and Lauren Marciszyn with the Hockomock Area Healthy Futures initiatives; Hannaford Manager Jim Burnham; AmeriCorp Volunteer Jen Ward; and Milford Youth Center Director Jim Sanchioni; Dietician Julie Barto; the medical center's Manager of Community Relations Kathleen Corcoran; Community Acess representative Ellen Freedman; representative Amy Leone; Dr. Tamara Palmer from and myself.

Upcoming meetings:  Open to the public.

Play Initiatives Meeting: Held every third Monday of the month at the . The next meeting is June 20 at 1 p.m.

Healthy Futures Initiatives Meeting: Held at Milford Regional Medical Center on August 11 at noon.

To get involved in the Healthy Futures group, help your community,  and help to grow your business; please- contact Lauren Marciszyn at LaurenM@hockymca.org or call her at 774-235-2737