Union County, NJ – Many area residents have been learning to practice healthier eating habits while improving their physical activity, with help from free and low-cost programs offered by The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Now one of the programs, called Get Moving–Get Healthy New Jersey, has been recognized with the prestigious National Institute of Food and Agriculture award for Innovative Program Models by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“I’d like to note that this is the third national recognition received by Get Moving–Get Healthy within the past two years,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “Rutgers Cooperative Extension has proven to be a valuable resource for Union County residents seeking reliable, common sense information on nutrition and wellness.”
Dr. Karen Ensle, who is Department Head of the Union County Extension and is also a member of the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences at Rutgers University, noted that Get Moving–Get Healthy combines the resources of her Rutgers’s health sciences and 4-H youth development programs.
“Through simple, everyday actions that add up to significant results, the Extension is able to reach county residents with a proactive health message that works to decrease childhood obesity,” said Dr. Ensle.
Get Moving–Get Healthy New Jersey is designed to help people of all ages practice healthy habits of diet and exercise. The program sets modest, common sense goals that build confidence and help people ease gradually into new routines.
“Childhood obesity is a family issue, and this program helps families learn healthier eating and physical activity habits together,” said Scanlon.
The Union County Extension brings Get Moving—Get Healthy to the public through free and low-cost classes at its quarters in the County services building in Westfield, and through special events, classes and activities across Union County in partnership with other government agencies, community organizations, schools, and businesses.
The Extension also encourages residents to participate in fun online learning activities such as the “Small Steps to Health and Wealth Challenge,” at www.rutgers.ancc.net.
Related Extension projects include the Walk New Jersey Point-to-Point Walking Program, Grow Healthy, andGet Moving–Get Healthy with New Jersey 4-H.
Upcoming Union County Extension classes in Westfield include “Celebrate Food Day” on October 24, and a weekly series in November called “Balanced Living.” To get more information or to sign up, contact Digna Torres at the Extension offices, 908-654-9854 or dtorres@ucnj.org.
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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.