Healthy Huntsville

Led by Mayor Tommy Battle and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, Healthy Huntsville is sponsored by the following non-profit organizations:   City of Huntsville, Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville City Schools, HudsonAlpha, and the Huntsville-Madison County Health Department . These organizations are working with the community to offer FREE programs throughout the year to help educate our citizens on wellness and good physical health.

Join the thousands of Huntsville residents who are looking to improve their health through fitness and nutrition! Our goal is to: “Reduce obesity by promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles.”

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WHY HEALTHY HUNTSVILLE?

With just under 40% of citizens qualifying as obese according to metrics from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention from 2021, Alabama has the third highest obesity rate in the United States, behind only West Virginia and Kentucky.

Since 2011, Alabama’s obesity rate has climbed more than the nation as a whole. Alabama went from 32% of residents qualifying as obese in 2011 to 39.9% in 2021, an increase of 7.9 percentage points. Over that same time, the obesity rate for the U.S. as a whole went from 27.7% to 33.9%, an increase of 6.2 percentage points.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in Alabama, and Healthy Huntsville wants to lead the change.

“It takes time, but a lot can happen in a few months,” said Mayor Battle. “A person can lose 10 or 15 pounds, they can begin to make better food choices, and they can get off that couch.”

According to Battle, Huntsville can no longer afford to ignore the impact that obesity has on the quality of our lives and our health care spending.

“We want to be the catalyst for change and to show our citizens that there is a better way. We already know that Huntsville is one of the smartest places to live in the country. If we can raise awareness about the serious health risk that obesity has on the quality and longevity of our lives and how easily those extra pounds can lead to diabetes, then we can also make Huntsville one of the fittest places.”

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HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

Healthy Huntsville focuses on the core concepts of nutrition and exercise to encourage our residents to embrace healthy lifestyles. What are some of Healthy Huntsville’s signature events that can encourage you and your family to be active?

• 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is a statewide program designed to inspire all Alabamians to kick-start an active, healthy lifestyle while exploring our beautiful state and connecting with fellow participants. Walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride or roll 100 miles each year by visiting the state’s many wonderful parks, nature preserves, and rivers.
• Nutrition classes taught by registered dietician nutritionists in partnership with Huntsville Hospital Wellness Centers
• The Mayor’s Bike Ride in May promotes Bike Safety Month and encourages citizens to try out cycling.
• Fitness in the Park takes place every Saturday at 9 a.m. in May and June in Big Spring Park and features a different type of one-hour fitness class for free.
• Walking events in the fall promote a low-impact and accessible form of exercise.
• Maintain, Don’t Gain provides tips, tricks and motivation to maintain your weight from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

These events and more are available to you and your family! To stay up-to-date on the latest Healthy Huntsville happenings, go to the  Healthy Huntsville calendar and follow  Healthy Huntsville on Facebook.

For more information, please contact Healthy Huntsville Coordinator Kevin Ready in the Parks & Recreation Department.

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HEALTHY HUNTSVILLE SAYS FOLLOW ALONG

Healthy Huntsville encourages citizens to follow Huntsville Parks & Recreation and Operation Green Team for free healthy amenities and events throughout the year!

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RELATED LINKS: 100 Alabama Miles Challenge