Central Falls–Pawtucket poll demonstrates desire for a culture of health

PROVIDENCE – Central Falls and Pawtucket residents strongly support policies that reinforce access to healthy food and physical activity, according to a release from the American Heart Association Rhode Island chapter that highlights the findings of a recent survey of 401 residents.

The poll, taken during the summer of 2016, showed clear support for healthier food and beverage options at workplaces and in public places (83 percent),

“If we make Rhode Island-grown fresh fruits and vegetables the easy choice, we’ll live longer, feel stronger and strengthen our communities,” Dr. Michael Fine, Blackstone Valley Community Health Care Center’s senior population health & clinical services officer, said in the statement.

Survey respondents appear to concur with Fine; respondents believe it is important to have choices, yet many vending machines, cafeterias and concession stands in public places offer unhealthy options. Ninety percent of the respondents believe that visitors to public venues deserve the opportunity to choose healthy foods, and 86 percent believe that local governments can take the initiative and offer healthier food and beverage selections in vending machines, cafeterias and concession stands.

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Along with healthy food access, Central Falls and Pawtucket residents also recognize the value of instilling lifelong healthy habits by increasing physical activity for children. Ninety percent of respondents favor longer physical education classes at school and 92 percent would like to incorporate more physical activity throughout the school day, through recess, classroom exercise breaks and physical activity clubs. Five of six participants favored increasing physical education and classroom training for teachers so that quality, comprehensive physical education and physical activity will be available.

“I have seen how getting kids physically active during the school day can improve their learning … When I noticed the ‘Exercise Breaks in the Classroom’ training being offered as part of our professional development, it immediately grabbed my attention,” Debra Lough, a first-grade teacher at Ella Risk Elementary School in Central Falls, said in the statement. “I am excited to implement it into my daily routines. The children will enjoy the break and it will stimulate and refocus them back to the content area being taught. All students and adults can benefit from these routines. Teachers who are apprehensive about disrupting their learning routines will find that it will actually engage the students more!”

The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity every day for children and adolescents. Associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, physical activity also offers general physical, psychological and social benefits.

This poll of 401 Central Falls and Pawtucket residents was conducted through the American Heart Association’s ANCHOR Project from July 31-Aug. 3, by Baselice & Associates Inc., an opinion-research firm based in Austin, Texas. The AHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaboratively fund the ANCHOR Project, which works to build and strengthen community-based health promotions efforts. In addition to Pawtucket and Central Falls, Providence is another Rhode Island city selected for the ANCHOR Project.

For more information or to help participate in ongoing efforts to expand healthy food options and increase physical activity, contact RI Project Lead Candace Pierce at candace.pierce@heart.org.

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