National Report: Jackson in Action Coalition Recognized as Leader in Rural Community Health

By Ruth Lahmayer Chipps, MS, RDN, CD - Communications for Jackson In Action Coalition  

December 20, 2017  - Black River Falls, Wisconsin

A new national report from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) highlights Jackson County’s healthy living coalition (www.JacksonInAction.org) as an innovator in health and equity for rural communities. The report is based on a forum recently held in Black River Falls coordinated by Wisconsin Office of Rural Health (WI-ORH) and the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis.  Jackson in Action coalition members were the featured panelists at this event.

“Our coalition is one of only four chosen nationally to provide guidance for engaging rural communities and overcoming barriers to health and community development efforts,” explained Nicole Schweitzer, Chair of Jackson In Action.  “This was truly an honor and we are pleased that our efforts in Jackson County will be shared with other coalitions across the country through this report.”

The report seeks to understand efforts to improve rural health and equity, with attention to assets and partners across sectors. Lessons learned in the Black River Falls community are outlined, focusing on how they may apply to broader regions. A set of recommendations for national stakeholders is also highlighted.

Key points in the report include an imperative to engage youth, health departments, tribal members, community members, businesses, faith-based organizations, hospitals, and seniors to improve health and equity in the community. Other important partners cited were non-profit organizations, law enforcement, local government, cooperative extension, and economic development organizations. The opportunity to include partnerships with other community organizations to identify common goals, visions, strategies, and mutually beneficial approaches to working together is emphasized.

The report provides details in six key areas including mentorship and leadership, state and local advocacy, increasing awareness of health equity, local and regional data collection, outreach/support and recommendations for funders. Despite challenges, a multitude of successful efforts to improve health and equity in the community and broader regions were revealed.  

In 2010, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the 2010 County Health Rankings led to the development and implementation of programs to address health priorities in the county. Jackson in Action was established in 2011 as a result of CHIP, and the coalition is a facilitator of positive changes in the community. Jackson County first appeared at 71 out of 72 counties in 2010 for overall health (smaller ranking is equated with a healthier county). Recently Jackson County improved to 32nd in 2017. . (countyhealthrankings.org).  Partners in JIA include Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services, Black River Memorial Hospital, Together for Jackson County Kids, Ho-Chunk Nation, UW Extension-Jackson County, Lunda Community Center, Boys and Girls Club, local school districts, Friends of the Library, Hanson’s IGA and the community.                                                             

The full RWJF report can be viewed here

JIA Committee 12/20/17  Front:  Diane Moen-Ross, Bethany Hale, Kathleen Clemons, Nicole Schweitzer, Kim Schlifer, Kristi Hanson. Rear: Barb Brower, Dawn Jacobson, Gavin Scray, Ruth Chipps, Jeff Polzin, April Duval      …

JIA Committee 12/20/17  Front:  Diane Moen-Ross, Bethany Hale, Kathleen Clemons, Nicole Schweitzer, Kim Schlifer, Kristi Hanson. 

Rear: Barb Brower, Dawn Jacobson, Gavin Scray, Ruth Chipps, Jeff Polzin, April Duval                                              Photo Credit: Ruth Chipps

The Take Action Cycle shows us HOW to create a healthy community ( From Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) 

The Take Action Cycle shows us HOW to create a healthy community ( From Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) 

 

Harvest of the Month is Grapefruit!

Watch this video for an amazing new twist:  Grapefruit-Cran Sauce!

Did you know that:  

  • Grapefruit vary in color from white or yellow to pink and red.
  • They range from acidic and even bitter to sweet and sugary.
  •  Excellent source of Vitamin C. The juices, peels, and pulps all provide nutritional benefit.
  •  It's a cross between an orange and a pomelo.
  •  Provides powerful antioxidant benefits, containing lycopene, beta carotene, and active plant compounds.
  •  Can provide health benefits for the skin, blood pressure, heart health, and disease prevention.

Note: Please talk with your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications prior to increasing the amount of grapefruit in your diet as it can interact with the medication. (In most cases, it is the amount of grapefruit juice  consumed that may need to be considered).


More Holiday Recipes here: www.JacksonInAction.org/recipes 

5210 - High Fives for Family Meals!

By Arissa Geiser, Viterbo College Nutrition Student

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This Month's Spotlight:

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High Fives for Family Meals

Families that eat together three or more times a week tend to have a healthier weight, engage in overall healthy eating patterns, and perform better in school.*
Five Meal-Time Tips:

  1. Prioritize it! Work around schedules. Mark the calendar when family meals are happening. Include time for cooking, eating, and cleaning!

  2. Plan it! Get input from family members and plan a menu for the week. Put it in on a chalkboard in the kitchen so they can look forward to that meal! Designate a “Chef” for each meal.

  3. Produce it!  Turn off the electronics and focus on each other. Talk about each other’s days and things to look forward to!

  4. Make it! Harvest of the Month Recipes from Jackson In Action

  5. Live it!  More about family meals here

*Hammons AJ, Fiese BH. Is Frequency of Shared Family Meals Related to the Nutritional Health of Children and Adolescents Pediatrics. 2011;127(6):e1565-e1574. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-1440.

Try a family favorite recipe from Harvest of the Month! Sahara Sweet Potato Soup

Photo Credit:simplehealthykitchen.com

Photo Credit:simplehealthykitchen.com


HUNTER FITNESS STARTS AUGUST 26

HUNTER FITNESS

Jackson In Action is excited to again be sponsoring a Hunter Fitness class for Jackson County residents in 2017, led by Kathleen Clemons. Classes are held on Saturday mornings at 9 am or Tuesday evenings at 5:15 pm, and will take place from Aug. 26  - Oct. 28th. Classes are free of charge, though County Park and State Park fees may apply for designated sessions. All participants must be registered ahead of time and have medical paperwork on file.

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For more information contact Kathleen Clemons. Registration forms are on the link above. 

 

Jackson County 5-2-1-0 Two Week Challenge Concludes

Congratulations are extended to hundreds of local residents who participated in the Jackson County 5210 Challenge! Great work!

"FRUITY RUTY" sings the 5-2-1-0 Song with Laces to Leaders Participants 

"FRUITY RUTY" sings the 5-2-1-0 Song with Laces to Leaders Participants 

Click the image above to check out the song on Facebook

FINAL STEPS...TURNING IN YOUR TRACKER!

Turn in your completed tracker by Sunday, July 2, to be entered in a prize drawing. Two ways to turn in your completed tracker:

  • Snap a cell phone picture of your completed tracker and email to jacksoninaction12@gmail.com; OR
  • Drop off at one of the following dropbox locations: BRMH Cafeteria, Boys & Girls Club - Lunda Center, UW-Extension Office, Jackson County Farmer's Market booth, or ACHM High School Office

You do not need to turn in a perfect tracker to win; all participants turn in a tracker (regardless of the number of boxes checked) will be entered in the prize drawing. Multiple prizes will be given away so do not forget to turn in your tracker!

What can I win???

  • $100 Chamber Bucks
  • $25 Scheels gift card
  • $25 Kwik Trip gift card
  • Outdoor games / activity baskets
  • Lunda Community Center day passes
  • And more...

Please take our 5210 Post-Challenge Survey! Click here!