Healthy Community

BY CHRIS RAMBKE

In 1990, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services facilitated a national initiative in cooperation with numerous national membership organizations and state health departments and published "Healthy People 2000." This comprehensive report defined Health Promotion and Disease Prevention goals and objectives for the nation by the year 2000.

In 1995, Edward Hospital in Naperville coordinated a task force of representatives from various community organizations to discuss a health assessment of Naperville. The group commissioned a professional consulting firm to conduct a Community Health Survey. In addition to a random telephone survey, secondary data was collected from national, state and local sources. Results were presented at a community forum in October 1995. Establishing goals and objectives for the community's health improvement in the five areas identified in the survey marked the beginning of "Naperville Community 2000."

Naperville's death rates for both stroke and heart disease, while lower than the state averages, were found to exceed the Healthy People 2000 goals. This information led to the development of the Naperville Community 2000 Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Task Force. The original task force was composed of volunteers from the Edward Cardiovascular Institute, DuPage County Health Department, School District 203, the American Hearth Association and a registered nurse from the community.

Upon further review of the survey data, the group identified three objectives on which to focus: decreasing tobacco use, controlling cholesterol and increasing physical activity of Naperville residents. Subcommittees were formed to address these three goals.

The Physical Activity Initiative was launched in January of 1997. Invitations were issued to multiple community organizations and fitness providers. Forming the steering committee were representatives from Edward cardiovascular Institute, School District 203, Naperville Park District, Edward Health and Fitness Center, Naperville Area YMCA, American Heart Association and the community. The group selected an acronym that suited the objective of the initiative: Naperville Exercising Together (NEXT).

Collaborative efforts by the steering committee representatives resulted in the first NEXT project. A free series of walking clinics was developed. The first clinic "Walking 101" was hosted by the Naperville YMCA; the second, "Gear Up," was hosted by the Naperville Park District and featured Robert Well, a local sports podiatrist. The third session, "Walking 102," was hosted by the Edward Health and Fitness Center. Each session averaged 50 participants.

The series of walking clinics was introduced at a community lecture sponsored by the Edward Cardiovascular Institute and District 203 in February 1997. Guest speaker Rob Sweetgall addressed a crowd of 950 people about the health benefits of walking. NEXT representatives were present to encourage participation in the walking clinic series scheduled for March.

According to Brian Hubbard, Health and Wellness director of the Naperville Area YMCA, the hardest part of planning such as a collaborative project is getting past the competitive attitude.

"In essence, we are all in the fitness business and we are all competing for members," said Hubbard.

"However, I saw this group as being our way to help the community to meet the goal of helping people improve their health."

The NEXT Committee continues to plan projects that promote physical activity for all ages within the Naperville community. 

CHRIS RAMBKE
is director of business development, Edward Cardiovascular Institute in Naperville.

26 / Illinois Parks and Recreation