December 21, 2005

Extension videoconference to cover healthy communities

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A Jan. 6 videoconference sponsored by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service will provide information on resources available to Indiana communities to help them create healthier living environments.

The videoconference, titled Healthy People, Healthy Communities, may be seen at 18 sites across Indiana. It will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a break for lunch.

The program will take a holistic approach to healthy living, said Karen Zotz, Purdue Extension program leader in consumer and family sciences.

"We want to create an interest among communities to develop plans that include a variety of factors that keep people healthy - whether those be nutrition programs, aesthetic walkways or playgrounds for children," Zotz said.

The program's panel of experts will include:

• Dr. Judith Monroe, Indiana state health commissioner.

• Peggy Wild, state specialist in consumer and family sciences education, Indiana Department of Education.

• Connie Weaver, head of Purdue's department of foods and nutrition.

• Bernard Dahl, Purdue associate professor of landscape architecture.

• Kathy Dale, managing director, Tippecanoe County Vision 2020.

• Steven McKenzie, lecturer, Purdue department of foods and nutrition and vice president of the Coalition for Living Well After 50.

• Amy Moyer, corporate outreach coordinator, National Institute for Fitness and Sports.

Panelists will discuss how their agencies and services can help communities develop plans to promote healthier lifestyles.

Part of the afternoon session will be devoted to local discussions on steps toward starting coalitions and creating action plans that identify and address specific community needs in health, fitness and nutrition. Purdue Extension educators will facilitate those exchanges and share ideas and concerns with the entire videoconference audience.

The videoconference is free, but the number of participants may be limited due to space restrictions at certain sites. To learn more about how to view the conference, contact your local Purdue Extension office or call (888) EXT-INFO.

Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu

Source: Karen Zotz, (765) 494-8252, kzotz@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Note to Journalists: Journalists are invited to watch the videoconference. Contact your local Purdue Extension office or call (888) EXT-INFO.

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