Alabama Obesity Task Force
April 2019
Updates from the Task Force
Alabama Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan
Many individuals have spent months meeting, drafting, reviewing, and editing portions of the State Plan, demonstrating a dedication to reducing the obesity rates in our state that exceeds Obesity Task Force membership expectations. We value the time and input of everyone involved; the State Plan would not be possible without you!
Additionally, our facilitators have played a pivotal role in developing the State Plan. Dr. Hank Williford, Kathe Briggs, and Laurie Eldridge-Auffant have collaborated with, organized, and led the physical activity professionals and are combining all of their input into the physical activity component of the State Plan. Similarly, Dr. Krista Casazza and Mim Gaines are working to combine the input from nutrition professionals from across the state into the nutrition component of the the State Plan. We cannot thank them enough for their leadership!
Writing the State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan is ongoing, but the end is in sight! We have asked those participating in writing the plan to submit final comments to the facilitators by Friday, April 5, 2019, to ensure they are included. We are currently on schedule to release the State Plan later this year. Stay tuned for more information!
The New Board
Here are the new board positions and a brief description of each:
Executive Board
Participate in monthly calls and in-person meetings following quarterly membership meetings. Each position has one vote in all Task Force business.
- Chair - Keeps the focus on addressing the mission of the Obesity Task Force and strategic plan actions
- Past Chair - Mentors and assists the Chair and Chair-Elect. Leads an annual review of the Task Force's by-laws and assists with nominating new board members
- Chair-Elect - Assists the Chair and each Board member in keeping the focus on addressing the strategic plan and following the mission and vision
- Secretary - Provides administrative support to the board such as facilitating communication between the board and the general membership. Keeps written records of each meeting and is responsible for the semi-annual newsletter
- Equity and Inclusion Representative - Ensures that individuals of all races, genders, ages, ability levels, etc. are considered and included in all Obesity Task Force business and decisions
- Public Relations Representative - Helps to create and maintain a positive public perception of the Obesity Task Force, and ensures campaigns and other materials are shared with media outlets and Task Force efforts are widely promoted
- Early Care and Education Representative - Ensures that children birth to five are a priority in the work of the Obesity Task Force
- Alabama Department of Public Health Representative - Serves as a liaison between the Obesity Task Force and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Provides sufficient and up-to-date information, relevant resources, expertise, and technical assistance to the Obesity Task Force.
- Alabama Department of Education Representative - Serves as a liaison between the Obesity Task Force and the Alabama State Department of Education. Provides sufficient and up-to-date information, relevant resources, expertise, and technical assistance to the Obesity Task Force
- Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports Representative - Serves as a liaison between the Obesity Task Force and the Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports. Provides sufficient and up-to-date information, relevant resources, expertise, and technical assistance to the Task Force
- Healthcare Liaison - Translates and disseminates information and recommendations to health practitioners in Alabama
- Advocacy Liaison - Identifies advocacy issues that support the Obesity Task Force's strategic plan goals and identifies state and federal legislation that would impact those issues. Informs the board and the Task Force members of emerging issues and links the Task Force with aligning advocacy groups
- Long Range Planning Representative, Nutrition - Monitors the goals and objectives of the Obesity Task Force's strategic plan. Oversees the evaluation of the nutrition components of the State Plan
- Long Range Planning Representative, Physical Activity - Monitors the goals and objectives of the Obesity Task Force's strategic plan. Oversees the evaluation of the physical activity components of the State Plan
- Ad Hoc Board Member - Appointed annually by the Chair. Provides insight to the board on issues related to their specific area of expertise
Full Board Positions
Participate in in-person meetings following quarterly membership meetings. Serve as a link between the Obesity Task Force board and sector members. These are non-voting positions. There will be a Nutrition and a Physical Activity representative from each of the sectors.
- All members of the Executive Board
- Public Health Sector Leaders
- Education Sector Leaders
- Parks, Recreation, Fitness, and Sports Sector Leaders
- Policy Sector Leaders
- Mass Media Sector Leaders
- Transportation, Community Planning, and Access Sector Leaders
- Healthcare Sector Leaders
- Business and Industry Sector Leaders
- Non-Profit, Volunteer, and Faith Based Organizations Sector Leaders
Stay tuned for more information on voting in new board members for 2019.
News and Awards
Alabama's 2019 Emerging Dietetic Leader Award
Ira L. Myers Award and Outstanding Dietetic Internship Director for 2019
Mim was also recognized by the Alabama Dietetic Association at their annual conference this year as the Outstanding Dietetic Internship Director for 2019.
Coverage for Nutrition Services Provided by Registered Dietitians
Health Education and Physical Education Courses of Study
In his introductory messages for these new courses of study, Dr. Mackey, State Superintendent of Education writes the following messages:
"The 2019 Alabama Course of Study: Health Education promotes a collaborative Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community partnership. It emphasizes students’ participation in healthy choices and behaviors within the school, the family, and the community. The skills-based approach of the 2019 Alabama Course of Study: Health Education prepares students to obtain, interpret, and understand basic health information and services."
"The 2019 Alabama Course of Study: Physical Education serves as the foundation for the development of physical education programs that can improve and enhance the quality of life for Alabama students. By participating in developmentally appropriate practices outlined in this course of study, students learn health-enhancing and appropriate interactive behaviors while experiencing positive outcomes in motor skill development."
We are looking forward to the impact these new courses of study will have on the health and wellness of Alabama's children. We are proud of the many long-time Obesity Task Force members who were instrumental in their development and approval!
Access the New 2019 Alabama Courses of Study:
Programs and Initiatives
Regardless of your age or current level of activity, the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge can help you kick-start a healthier lifestyle. For more information on how to get started, visit 100alabamamiles.org. While you're there, check out these health and wellness tips and tips on what to wear and bring on your outings!
The Challenge officially kicked off the 2019 season on Saturday, March 2 with a public event held at Birmingham’s Railroad Park. Featured at this event were the 100 Alabama Miles Ambassadors, who shared their inspiring stories about overcoming health challenges to become physically active. The 100 Alabama Miles Ambassadors also led a one-mile walk as a symbolic “first mile” of the Challenge for 2019. Later in the season, similar kick-off events will be held in other cities around Alabama, including Huntsville, Red Bay, and Jasper.
The 2019 season is underway, but it's not too late to sign up for the Challenge! Visit 100alabamamiles.org to get started!
Scale Back Alabama
Scale Back Alabama is a free statewide weight-loss program designed to encourage Alabamians to get healthy and to have fun while doing it. Since the first competition in 2007, Alabamians have lost more than one million pounds!
Scale Back Alabama 2019 has featured personal trainer Ashley Gardner who has encouraged and challenged participants with weekly workout videos (such as the one below) throughout the program. Participants have also received two emails per week addressing common health myths and highlighting tips for healthy habits from local health and wellness experts! You may even recognize some of these faces from our meetings! This year, participants have also had the opportunity to participate in weekly live webinars, hosted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
Scale Back Alabama may be wrapping up for 2019, but you can still utilize our Resources and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube. Mark your calendar for December 2019 to sign up for the 2020 program!
Don't forget, Scale Back Alabama is the perfect, easy addition to any employee wellness program. If you're interested in being a site coordinator next year (either open to the public or just for your own employees), you can find information on the requirements, here.
Weigh-Out Week is April 1-7 (Monday - Sunday) and the Final Event (cash prize drawing) will be held on Tuesday, April 16.
Scale Back Alabama will be back in 2020! In the meantime, check out the Scale Back Alabama App to track your calories and exercise to help keep you accountable.
Check out our website, scalebackalabama.com, and our Facebook page for weight loss tips, recipes, announcements and more!
Events and Activities
Healthy Huntsville
The American Heart Association
With your help, we can turn the State Capitol red and raiseawareness of policies that would help prevent and treat heart disease and stroke.Please invite your network of volunteers and partners to join us! If you plan to attend, please register here.
When: Thursday, April 18, 2019
Where: Alabama State Capitol & State House, Montgomery, AL
Time: 8:30 AM Registration
9:00 AM Advocacy & Issue Update
11:00 AM Move More Rally with Alabama State Association for Health, PE, Recreation & Dance
11:30 AM Meet Lawmakers & Lunch
Details: You will receive an email with all of the details for the day closer to the event
Wear Red
Light snacks & lunch provided
By attending the event, advocates will have the chance to:
- Learn about the policy efforts of the American Heart Association to improve the cardiovascular health of Alabamians;
- Join the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD) for a Move More Rally to celebrate physical activity and encourage all Alabamians to commit to being more active on a regular basis; and
- Meet with lawmakers about state policies that prevent and treat heart disease and stroke.
Text ALABAMA to 46839 for details.