I want Louisville to be the one of the healthiest and fittest cities in the country. That is why I have introduced The Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement.

For those of us who enjoy walking, playing sports, riding bikes and working in the yard, we know the payoffs in terms of relieving stress, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improving self-esteem and increasing our quality of life.

But many still do not understand that we need to participate in healthier behaviors, at home, in school and in the workplace. I want to change that.

Through local health studies we know that 59.6% of our citizens are overweight or obese. More than 35% engage in no leisure time physical activity whatsoever. These statistics are well above the national averages.

Through our Healthy Hometown Movement, I believe we can focus attention on information, resources and examples of how other groups and businesses are making a difference already. Our Movement is based on partnerships and shared experiences for individuals, neighborhood groups, businesses, schools and influential institutions of all kinds right here in our hometown. By sharing examples and tracking individual goals and successes, we will truly develop a Movement that will change the way we think and the way we live our lives.

Our primary goal for our first phase, “Move It, Louisville!”, is to have everyone committed to engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week.

You can be a part of it!

Getting started is not so difficult. The real test is the commitment to continuing to get up, out and moving about every day. Here are a few simple and routine ideas to keep you going:

• take long walks and enjoy our city (the Zoo and Bernheim Forest are just two great places to walk)
• wash your own car
• use a push mower (good for the environment, too!)
• start and maintain a flower or vegetable garden
• park a good distance away from the store or business you are patronizing
• take the stairs whenever you can
• use our Metro Parks – they provide plenty of free walking, biking and Frisbee-throwing areas
• use a pedometer to help you track your steps
• ind a partner and challenge and encourage each other
  

We are long overdue to begin changing the way we value fitness and health in this community. The benefits are real in terms of reducing health care costs and being more attractive for businesses looking for an active and healthy workforce. My hope is to see you, your family and friends out in the community as we “move it” together toward a “Healthy Hometown!”

Jerry E. Abramson
Mayor
Louisville Metro