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Recommendation to direct City Manager to work with the Long Beach Health Department, and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine to:
· Organize our "Move Long Beach" initiatives and place them in the Mobility Element of the Long Beach General Plan. Including our healthy eating & healthy living citywide events and programs.
· Engage and encourage North, Central and West Long Beach, who are most affected by childhood obesity and access to fresh foods, to participate in the Citywide “Move Long Beach” initiative.
· Create an online resource that offers information, features and promotes major health resources and events like the Long Beach Marathon, Long Beach Triathlon, Turkey Trot, and Bike Tour.
· Encourage Councilmembers, City Departments, and community groups to host "Move Long Beach" events and campaigns in the city that promote exercise, physical fitness, and health awareness in 2012 and beyond.
DISCUSSION
Obesity constitutes a public health crisis at both the local and national level. While obesity is one of the leading contributors to poor health outcomes and increased health care costs nationally, in Long Beach the problem is especially dire. Obesity rates are significantly higher in low-income areas, and especially among African-Americans and Latinos.
Last year, the Press-Telegram reported on a study that looked at obesity rates of over 5,000 Long Beach Unified students. Among the key findings:
· More than 30% of 5th graders, 35% of 7th graders, and 21% of 9th graders are obese.
· Neighborhoods with high concentrations of mini markets and liquor stores have higher obesity rates.
· Youth in some North and West Long Beach neighborhoods had the highest obesity rates at 37%.
· Youth in East Long Beach, where there is more access to park space and healthier food alternatives, had the lowest obesity rate at 8%.
The Long Beach obesity rate is an epidemic and a health crisis.
The City of Long Beach should do all it can to encourage ex...
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