January 5, 2005 -- Houston Mayor Bill White today announced a citywide program designed to raise the level of fitness and wellness among all Houstonians. The mayor appointed Houston fitness executive Herb Lipsman to head the Mayor's Wellness Council.
Improving the quality of life and economic development are among my highest priorities," said Mayor White, "If we can use the auspices of the Mayor's office to impress upon Houstonians the importance of exercise and nutrition for improving their daily living, then we have done our part. We know that business leaders considering where look for a well trained and healthy workers.
The multi-faceted program, called "Get Moving Houston" involves a number of action items, including:
Establishing a Mayor's Wellness Council, made up of fitness and health professionals, and business and civic leaders.
Promoting the Mayor's Physical Fitness Challenge for 2005.
Supporting a comprehensive wellness program for city employees that can serve as a model for others.
Organizing efforts to get Houston off the list of 10 "fattest cities" in Men's Fitness magazine by January 2006.
Cooperating with schools to influence and encourage physical education, healthy eating choices, stress management and other programs that promote lifelong wellness.
Cooperating with restaurant groups and the grocery industry to promote more healthy choices in eating.
Developing a master Web site for health and wellness information, with links to other sites and a master calendar of activities and events related to fitness and wellness - www.getmovinghouston.org.
Sponsoring events throughout the year, including a City walk/fun run event and a bicycling event unique to Houston.
Encouraging Houstonians to make more use of the city's parks and recreation services.
"This program has the power to improve the outlook for many Houstonians combating the prospect of heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses related to a lack of physical activity," said Lipsman. "We are looking forward to working with community groups, schools, and our city's health industry to make this a success. And oh, by the way, we are going to get off of the Men's Fitness Fattest City's list."
