In an effort to lessen the threat of obesity and promote a healthier lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired, the Lighthouse will mark National Public Health Awareness Week (April 5th-9th) with an array of activities and special programs.

"With our leaders in Washington debating the merits of national health care reform, we can start initiating change at the grass roots level as healthy living starts with each of us," noted Dr. Janet Szlyk, executive director.  "The Lighthouse is very excited at the concept of building a healthier community to strengthen our nation as a whole," she observed.  "We see this initiative as an opportunity to truly support wellness as a way of life."

Dr. Szlyk pointed out that Americans  can undertake little things like taking daily walks or snacking on a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar that can have a profound impact on their health and well being.

Information will also be available on wellness resources, health screenings and the participation of our Children’s program in the National Healthy Schools Campaign "Green Clean" initiative.

A major emphasis of the week’s organizers is to inform the public about the serious impact obesity is having on Americans.

"Overweight and obesity are the second leading health indicator for Healthy People 2010," noted Tanya Melich-Munyan, who serves as the Lighthouse nurse.  "It is associated with secondary health conditions including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. The increased rate of overweight and obesity in the United States has made this issue one of the major public health problems of modern times!"

She stated that obesity poses an even greater risk to people with disabilities, citing one recent study showing that individuals who were blind or visually impaired were 1.5 times more likely to be obese than the general U.S. population. Because children who have disabilities related to visual impairment are typically the least active youth, they are at greater risk for continued inactivity and becoming overweight or obese as they age. 

"Despite government support for health promotion programs targeting special needs populations, few proven interventions for individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired, exist. It is time to address the lack of research and vital programming to afford individuals with disabilities the opportunity to achieve a better quality of life," Nurse Melich-Munyan maintained.