LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX- On September 1, 2012, the Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge kicked off an eight (8) week competition in which cities all over Texas can participate to see who can make the most changes towards a healthier community. Due to the overwhelming statistics of obesity and obesity related illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension in Laredo, Mayor Raul G. Salinas identified this as the perfect opportunity to take action. He urges all to participate in this challenge. Additionally, Mayor Salinas would also like to thank the participating sponsors, such as H-E-B and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

 The competition consists of Mayor Raul G. Salinas signing the pledge, making a video in which he challenges another community mayor to take the pledge, and facilitating a community wide health event. With these activities, Laredo will earn points. . “The more the entire community gets involved, the more points Laredo scores.  Also and more importantly, we will hopefully positively impact and improve the health of our Laredo community,” said Mayor Raul G. Salinas. 

 “Currently we have a diabetes disease self management effort that focuses on healthier eating, physical activity, disease management and social support which has made a difference in several person already changing their behavior” said Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Director of Health City Of Laredo. We are targeting persons who are at risk to reduce those risk factors. The City of Laredo through the health department working with the schools and Dr. Roberto Trevino from San Antonio have also instituted the Bienestar curriculum for school age children to reduce obesity, improve healthier food choices and increase physical activities.

Efforts to collaborate with local providers, hospitals, Laredo Health Coalition, other City Departments (Parks and Leisure, and Employee Wellness) to promote healthier lifestyles and active living position the City of Laredo as a prime contender for the title of this year’s Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge winning community.  Some of the citywide efforts are aerobics, swimming, tennis and walking at city parks and community centers and as well the development and support of the farmers market for healthier choices are a few examples of communitywide participation. The mayor and city council has also committed to policy changes that include local ordinances that promote green space, community gardens and more hike and bike trails. Mayor Salinas urges the schools, hospitals, health care providers and the business sector to take the challenge.

 We will continue to provide updates regarding the Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge as soon as they become available. For more information on the Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge, an initiative of It’s Time Texas, please visit www.hebcommunitychallenge.com. For more information or to offer your suggestions on how Laredo can win this challenge, please call (956) 712-4557.