Tag: obesity

Crater Health Districts Says Healthy Choices Can Build a Healthier Community

March 26, 2026
Media Contact: Kayla Barber, Kayla.Barber@vdh.virginia.gov

Media Contact: Rashel Charles, Rashel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health Districts Says Healthy Choices Can Build a Healthier Community
March is National Nutrition Month in Virginia

PETERSBURG, Va. – One in four people are living with obesity in the United States. In Virginia, it’s closer to one in three (32%). 2024, approximately 32% of Virginia adults were classified as obese. March is National Nutrition Month, and the Crater Health District (CHD) wants to remind you that nutrition plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only about 12% of adults reported eating the recommended 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

“National Nutrition Month is a great reminder that healthy eating starts right here in our community. When families have access to fresh foods, local resources, and practical guidance, everyone has a better chance to thrive,” said Crater District Health Director, Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. “Our health department is proud to offer nutrition resources and provide food boxes to help the community.”

Eating healthier can change your health outcomes. Crater Health District has implemented a variety of programs to address nutrition and food security across the state. CHD offers programs, such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, nutrition education and counseling, supplemental nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, health screenings and referrals, immunization referrals and monitoring, farmers market nutrition program (FMNP), and FEEDMORE resources to provide access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and health services to thousands of Virginians each year.

“Celebrate National Nutrition Month with the Crater Health District WIC Program and discover how powerful good nutrition can be, said Kayla Barber, WIC Coordinator, Crater Health District. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under five, your local WIC office can connect you with nutritious foods. Rather than scroll through diet trends on social media, apply for WIC and gain access to nutrition experts. Let us help your family stay nourished, healthy, and confident on any budget.”

Crater Health District wants you to consider these five tips for proper daily nutrition:

  • Eat a Variety of Foods: Include a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your daily meals to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients.
  • Choose Whole Grains Over Refined Grains: Whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread) provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined grains.
  • Limit Added Sugars and Salt: Reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, desserts, and salty snacks, and check nutrition labels for hidden sugars and sodium.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, aiming for at least 6–8 cups unless your healthcare provider directs otherwise.
  • Practice Portion Control and Mindful Eating: Be aware of portion sizes, eat slowly, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating.

Throughout March, CHD encourages you to take this opportunity to learn more about nutrition, explore local resources, and adopt healthier eating habits.

  • Find an accountability partner to keep you on track.
  • Start with small practices and build your plan of healthier habits.
  • Try new, healthier practices at your favorite restaurant and be mindful of the decisions you make to stay on track.

Visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/healthy-communities/healthy-food-environments/ for nutrition resources or contact the Crater Health District at 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District for more information.

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Central Shenandoah Health District Shares the Importance of Heart Health

September 29, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares the Importance of Heart Health
World Heart Day is September 29

STAUNTON, Va. – World Heart Day is September 29. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds you to add healthy habits into your daily lives to prevent your risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Virginia. Simple lifestyle changes can improve your odds of experiencing heart-related issues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack. In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.

“Establishing healthy habits is crucial for your future wellbeing,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director of CSHD. “Heart disease can sneak up on you if you don’t incorporate those behaviors and factors to improve your overall health.”

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Other leading preventable risk factors include:

  • High LDL (bad) cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Poor nutrition
  • Physical inactivity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity

If you have a heart attack, you are more likely to survive if you know the signs and symptoms. The major symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
  • Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
  • Shortness of breath

If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information about heart disease, visit the Virginia Department of Health Heart Disease webpage or contact the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830.

Mount Rogers Health District Highlights Achievements in 2024 Annual Report

January 30, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, 276-781-7450

Mount Rogers Health District Highlights Achievements in 2024 Annual Report

MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD) has unveiled its 2024 Annual Report, spotlighting a year of significant progress in improving community health and well-being across its eight localities. The report underscores the district’s ongoing commitment to addressing pressing public health challenges while fostering collaboration with community partners.

The report highlights a range of clinical achievements, including the administration of more than 7,000 immunizations, which played a critical role in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Through the Every Woman’s Life program, 173 women received essential screenings for breast and cervical cancer, offering life-saving early detection. Additionally, the Oral Health program expanded its reach to over 1,100 students, a nearly 200% increase from the previous year. These efforts reflect MRHD’s focus on equitable access to preventive healthcare services.

In response to the opioid epidemic, MRHD made substantial strides in substance use disorder prevention. The district’s REVIVE! training educated over 810 participants on recognizing and responding to overdoses, while more than 1,800 doses of naloxone were distributed to those in need. Comprehensive Harm Reduction services, which support individuals at high risk of overdose, reached 578 participants, offering life-saving resources and a pathway to recovery.

Emergency preparedness efforts were another cornerstone of MRHD’s work in 2024. The district earned the prestigious Project Public Health Ready designation, highlighting its robust readiness to address public health emergencies. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers contributed over 970 hours of service, providing critical support during both emergency and non-emergency events. Training initiatives, such as CPR and Stop the Bleed programs, equipped community members with essential skills to save lives in critical situations.

Programs supporting family and child health also made a significant impact. The BabyCare program conducted over 1,400 home visits, offering personalized support to 225 mothers and infants. Meanwhile, the Child Safety program provided 309 free car seats, accompanied by hands-on education, to families across the district. These initiatives underscore MRHD’s dedication to nurturing the health and safety of future generations.

MRHD also conducted a comprehensive Community Health Assessment (CHA) across its eight localities, gathering feedback from over 1,600 residents. This process identified key health priorities, including mental health, obesity, substance use disorders, and access to care, which will shape the district’s future strategic planning and health improvement efforts.

Promoting health equity remained a central focus throughout 2024. The district launched a Spanish-language phone line to improve access for non-English-speaking residents, handling over 100 calls since its inception. The health equity team also attended more than 70 community events, ensuring resources and services reached underserved populations.

Health Director Dr. Meagan Helmick reflected on the district’s accomplishments: “The 2024 Annual Report demonstrates Mount Rogers Health District’s steadfast dedication to protecting and promoting the health of our communities. From addressing the opioid epidemic to enhancing emergency preparedness, our team continues to respond to the evolving needs of our residents.”

For the full Annual Report or more information about MRHD services, visit the district’s website at Virginia Department of Health – Mount Rogers Health District.

Central Virginia Health District to Host National Health Survey

August 8, 2022

Media Contact: Kim Foster, MHA, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District to Host National Health Survey 

The Central Virginia Health District (CVHD) announces that the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is coming to Campbell County and Lynchburg, VA, beginning on August 20, 2022.

NHANES is the most comprehensive survey of the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population.

Why Campbell County and Lynchburg? All counties and cities in the United States have a chance to be selected for the NHANES and, this year, portions of Campbell County and Lynchburg were picked as one of 15 areas selected to be part of this initiative. Each year, only 5,000 residents nationwide are chosen to participate in NHANES, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“We gladly encourage selected residents to participate in the NHANES process,” said Dr. Kerry Gateley, Health Director, CVHD. “NHANES provides us in public health with valuable information for creating, directing and improving programs that serve our communities.”

Since 1960, NHANES has had a prominent role in improving the health of all people living in the U.S. NHANES data address critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.  Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use this information to develop sound health policies, direct and design health programs and services, and expand the health knowledge of the nation. NHANES data also help produce national references and standardized growth charts used by pediatricians across the country.

NHANES collects a broad range of data that affect the lives of everyone in the country, regardless of age, addressing everything from air quality to vaccinations and the low-fat and “light” foods found in grocery stores. Now more than ever, collecting timely information on the status of the nation’s health is critical.  An NHANES team of health professionals, nutritionists, and health technicians is heading to Campbell County and the City of Lynchburg and urges everyone who has been selected for the survey to participate.

Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in NHANES. Addresses are randomly sampled within the area selected. By selecting participants this way, when combining data from all counties visited this year, NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.

Households will be sent one or more letters inviting them to be part of NHANES by completing a brief online questionnaire to see if anyone in their home is eligible to take part. Those eligible will be contacted by an NHANES representative to set up a telephone health interview at a convenient time, followed by a health examination that takes place in the NHANES mobile examination center.  While no medical care is provided directly in the mobile examination center, a report on physical findings is given to each participant, along with an explanation of those findings from survey medical staff. Participants will be provided local referral sources, if needed, in order to follow-up on findings. All information collected in the survey is kept confidential and individual privacy is protected by law.

NHANES provides important national data on critical public health issues. “NHANES serves as the nation’s ‘health check-up’ by going into communities throughout the country to collect health information,” said Brian C. Moyer, PhD, Director of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). “The survey provides a wealth of important data about many of the major health and nutritional issues affecting the country.”

NHANES is taking all precautions needed, as recommended by the CDC, to keep survey participants and staff safe by following guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, handwashing, and sanitation of the mobile examination center and all equipment.