Summit Prevention Alliance champions two programs that work to reduce obesity in Colorado:
LiveWell Colorado 
LiveWell Colorado is a statewide initiative aimed at reducing overweight and obesity rates and related chronic diseases in Colorado. A partnership among foundations, health care organizations, non-profit organizations and state and local public health agencies, LiveWell Colorado works with communities to promote healthy eating and active living through policies, programs and environmental changes.
We are excited to be working on our LiveWell Colorado initiative again in 2009. Here are some great things that will be going on in Summit County this year:
Coalition-Building Activities
- engaging new partners in the Physical Activity and Nutrition Team of the Summit (PANTS)
School Wellness
- supporting school Summit County School District as they implement policies and programs to support wellness
- implement and expand Safe Routes to School programs in 2009-2010
Worksite Wellness
- recruiting and assisting local worksites to develop worksite wellness programs
- providing technical assistance to worksites in Summit County
- assisting worksites in Summit County to develop breastfeeding-friendly policies
Health Care
- providing training and resources about the adult obesity guidelines as needed
Breastfeeding
- supporting the local hospital in their efforts to promote breastfeeding (including distribution of breastfeeding gift bags) and pursuit to reach “Baby Friendly Hospital” status
- developing and implementing a media campaign during World Breastfeeding Week
Active Community Environments
- holding an active community environments training and walkability assessment for local decision-makers
- supporting Summit County Open Spaces and Trails Department as they work on local trail improvements
Healthy Food Choices
- assisting the Town of Silverthorne with the implementation of Silvana’s Community Garden
- work with Dillon Valley Elementary and Summit County Governement to develop additional community garden plans
- begin developing a community greenhouse plan
If you have any questions about the above activities, please contact Joanna Rybak or Susan Westhof at (970) 668-2077. They can also be reached at joanna@summitpreventionalliance.org or susan@summitpreventionalliance.org.
La Vida Sana – The Healthy Life
La Vida Sana, founded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, addresses the issue of cardiovascular disease including diabetes among the Latino population in Summit County. La Vida Sana is promoting health and reducing chronic disease associated with diet and weight among Latinos with the following programs and initiatives:
Latinas en Movimiento
Summit Prevention Alliance and the Care Clinic implemented an exercise and nutrition program for Latinas preventing and treating heart disease, diabetes and obesity in Summit County. This weekly group is co-coordinated by three native Spanish speakers.
The group is held at Silverthorne Recreation Center and Breckenridge Recreation Center. Some of the activities included are nutritional and physical activity pointers and tips, blood pressures and weigh-in, warm-up, exercise and stretching, education and nutrition, goal setting, and healthy cooking classes.
Cooking Demonstrations
La Vida Sana is providing cooking demonstrations and lessons on nutritional meals and snacks to Latino women through monthly cooking lessons.
Education and Presentations
La Vida Sana implemented an educational campaign targeting the Latino community and addressing cardiovascular disease and diabetes and the importance of physical activity and nutrition. The campaign is implemented through a variety of programs which include the following:
- Weekly nutrition program for women
- Presentations in different Latino groups throughout the community
- Nutritional discussions for High Country Soccer Association’s groups
- Educational materials at different events
- Diabetes talks at the Summit County Care Clinic
- Nutrition and physical activity tips on La Nueva Mix 107.1
- Bilingual cooking shows on SCTV10
School Mini-grants
La Vida Sana is supporting the Summit County School District with grants for nutrition and physical activity projects.
Sports Participation
La Vida Sana is teaching kids dancing, gardening and swimming in order to help increase the participation of Latino children in our program. The High Country Soccer Association and Snowsports Outreach Society are helping to teach Latino children soccer, skiing and snowboarding.
For any questions about La Vida Sana, please contact Liliana or Jannine at liliana@summitpreventionalliance.org or jannine@summitpreventionalliance.org or (970) 668-2077.