Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL)

Healthy Acadia works with community partners to promote healthy eating and active living across our region.

We implement evidence-based or evidence-informed prevention programs and strategies in an effort to prevent and reduce obesity across the lifespan of Downeast Maine residents. We work to identify and respond to community needs, interests, and priorities, and engage and empower community members and partners to create positive and lasting change in the health of our communities.

HEAL Objectives:

  • Make active living and healthy eating the easy choice

  • Ensure that all people have access to healthy foods

  • Empower all people to get their recommended levels of physical activity

  • Increase access to places for physical activity

  • Support breastfeeding best practices in health care systems, at worksites, and within the community

  • Assess and improve the built environment and food systems to create more opportunity for Maine residents to eat healthy and be physically active.

The prevalence of obesity in Hancock County is 20% for middle school students, 15% for high school students, students, and 30% for adults. The prevalence of obesity in Washington County is 18% for middle school students, 20% for high school students, and 37% for adults. Early interventions for obesity prevention can help children and adults develop healthy habits and maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives and lower their risk for developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

  • Encouraging healthy eating habits: Encourage children to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Parents and caregivers can model healthy eating habits and limit access to high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods.

  • Promoting physical activity: Encourage children to engage in physical activity regularly. This can include structured activities like sports or dance classes, as well as unstructured play like riding bikes or playing tag. Parents and caregivers can also limit screen time and encourage outdoor play.

  • Breastfeeding: Studies have shown that breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of childhood obesity. Breast milk provides the perfect balance of nutrients and helps regulate appetite and metabolism.

  • Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and can help prevent obesity. Encourage children to establish a regular sleep schedule and limit screen time before bed.

  • Family meals: Eating meals together as a family can help promote healthy eating habits and prevent obesity. Family meals provide an opportunity to model healthy eating habits and encourage children to try new foods.

  • Early screening: Healthcare providers can screen children for obesity at an early age and provide interventions if necessary. This can include counseling on healthy eating and physical activity habits, as well as referrals to specialists if needed.

Early interventions have a life long impact on health. For more information and community resources, contact Sandy Fortin at sandy.fortin@healthyacadia.org.