Steps to a HealthierNY
Steps to a HealthierNY (Steps) is a program that helps New Yorkers of all ages live longer lives by adopting healthy habits to prevent or lessen the effects of diabetes, asthma, and obesity.
Four counties participate in the Steps to a HealthierNY program: Broome, Chautauqua, Jefferson and Rockland. Each county has activities to help residents exercise more, eat better foods and avoid tobacco use.
What is Steps to a HealthierNY?
Steps to a HealthierNY is part of a larger program funded by the federal government called Steps to a HealthierUS (www.cdc.gov/steps). New York was one of only four states funded in 2003. Steps to a HealthierNY (Steps) helps New Yorkers of all ages live longer lives by adopting healthy habits to prevent or lessen the effects of diabetes, asthma, and obesity. The program helps people exercise more, eat foods that are better for them and avoid tobacco.
Where is a Steps program located?
Steps programs are located in four counties in New York State: Broome, Chautauqua, Jefferson and Rockland. See our map and contact list.
Who does Steps reach?
Steps reaches people of all ages from infants to older adults. Steps programs are designed for the public and also for people at high risk for diabetes, asthma and obesity. Steps reaches out to people at schools, worksites, recreation areas, places of worship and health care settings.
Why is Steps working with schools?
Schools are located in every community and are central to community life. They are an excellent place to reach all children and teenagers between ages 6-18 years with programs to help them live healthier lives. Twenty-two percent of all children and adults can be reached through schools.
Why were asthma, diabetes, and obesity selected as the focus for the Steps program?
These diseases were chosen as the focus of the Steps program because they are on the rise and because people can control and even prevent them by exercising, eating healthy foods, and not smoking.
What makes Steps different and more effective than other programs that address a single disease?
The Steps model is unique because it addresses risk factors common to all three diseases. Steps is different because community organizations work together as partners to address common issues. This approach works to eliminate different or confusing messages and promotes the best use of resources. Steps encourages medical facilities, insurance companies, schools, worksites, local government agencies, and businesses to work together.
What are some examples of Steps to a HealthierNY sponsored programs?
- Improving food choices available in school cafeterias and vending machines
- Creating and improving community walking trails
- Opening schools for walking during non-school hours.
- Training health care professionals on the latest asthma care standards and assisting them in incorporating the standards into their practices.
- Offering weight loss programs to the community.
- Training elementary school teachers to increase physical activity in the classroom
- Training coaches to work with athletes who have asthma
- Promoting farmers markets to low-income families.
- Modifying restaurant menus to increase healthy food options.
- Providing asthma case management to children.