Healthy People Wood County Obesity Prevention Team

Healthy People Wood County is a community health initiative to address the needs of Wood County residents. Participants work to analyze health data, quality of life indicators and perceptions in the community about health. Priorities have been identified with strategies and goals established to improve health outcomes. Individuals and community agencies are invited to participate on implementation teams dedicated to improving the health of Wood County residents. Together we can make a difference!

The Healthy People Wood County Obesity Prevention Team’s vision is for all Wood County residents to make healthier lifestyle choices with diets and lifelong physical activity. Obesity and the lack of daily physical activity impacts your health at any age and can lead to chronic diseases.

Obesity issues can start young. "In 2001, 9.1 percent of Wood County 2- to 4-year-olds were found to be overweight," said Erica Sherman, a county public health nurse. "In that same year, the Wood County Health Department did a survey of third-graders and found approximately 34 percent were overweight or obese."

Lifestyle choices with a nutritional diet and daily physical activity can positively impact your health for a long time.

The Healthy People Wood County Obesity Prevention Team was created to administer grant dollars to fight obesity with a broad range of tactics aimed at motivating residents to be more active and to eat right.

Past Projects Include

Participation in the Healthy Wisconsin Leadership Institute which assisted the coalition to successfully impact community health improvement initiatives
Developed the Fit-tastic Afterschool Curriculum
Survey of Wood County middle school students to determine barriers to physical activity
Piloted the Active Community Assessment in the City of Marshfield which was developed into a toolkit for the Department of Health and Family Services
Assisted area businesses in developing breastfeeding friendly policies
Developed the “Know Your Numbers” pocket guide
Grocery Store Initiative which included healthy grab-and go items and fruit and vegetable sampling
Assisted Healthy Lifestyle of the Marshfield Clinic with community gardens and painting mile markers on walking paths
Assisted the Aging and Disability Resource center with the Arthritis Pain Reliever Campaign

Current and Continuing Projects

Awarded the Communities Putting Prevention to Work Grant
The Get Active Campaign
Sponsor of the Big Feet, Little Feet Family Fun Walk/Run for Obesity Prevention
Healthy People Wood County Activity Calendar
My Daily Menu Brochures and Texting Campaign
Worksite Wellness Networking Groups
Information booths at community events
Develop an advocacy plan around obesity prevention initiatives

Membership Survey.pdf

If you are interested in the Healthy People Wood County Prevention Team contact Tina Bart at (715) 421-7402, bartin@rhahealthcare.org or Jean Rosekrans at (715) 421-8911, jrosekrans@co.wood.wi.us.

CPPW Leadership Team

Healthy People Wood County Obesity Prevention Team member agencies/organizations:

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin

Marshfield Clinic

Midstate Technical College

Ocean Spray

Riverview Hospital Association

Saint Joseph’s Hospital

South Wood County YMCA

Wisconsin Rapids Public School District

Wisconsin Rapids Parks and Recreation

Wood County UW Extension