Priority Issue: Healthy Lifestyles
How do we influence residents and partners to make positive choices regarding nutrition, physical activity, and the built environment?
The development of the Healthy Lifestyles Action Plan was led by FORWARD, a public-private partnership in DuPage County. Since 2009, FORWARD's goal has been to reduce obesity rates and prevent the chronic diseases associated with obesity. The FORWARD Coalition empowers community leaders and stakeholders to help create sustainable policy, system, and environmental changes to improve healthy eating and active living opportunities for residents.
For more information, contact Kerrie Sneed.
To sign up for the FORWARD Newsletter, click here.
Related Key Indicators
Status of Goals, Objectives, and Key Actions
FORWARD Intermediary Role
Outcome Objective 1: By December 31, 2018, reduce obesity prevalence by 5 percent from baseline (23.9 to 22.7 percent) in DuPage County adults aged 20 and older, through policy, systems, and environmental change (PSE).
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, County-Level Estimates
-
Key Actions:
Completed 
In progress 
Not Started Provide a quarterly newsletter to the FORWARD Coalition and healthcare contacts. Develop and post engaging social media content weekly. Host at least one Coalition Meeting a year. Attend meetings of community groups and secure time to present and/or share handouts. Develop, update, edit, and post relevant web content at least once monthly. Determine standard reporting metrics for each venue and report out yearly. In partnership with the DuPage County Health Department, understand the prevalence of overweight and obesity in DuPage County by monitoring body mass index (BMI) rates in kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade students in public schools, 2-4 year olds enrolled in the USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and adults surveyed through the Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Report this data yearly with recommendations to affect sustainable change. In partnership with the DuPage County Health Department, understand the factors contributing to obesity within DuPage County communities by identifying population-level and individual-level risk factors (such as through the Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and Illinois Youth Survey) and by collecting data on other obesity risk factors. Monitor, promote, educate on, and advocate for proven practices for sustainable policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change in obesity prevention.- Mobilize community leaders, organizations, stakeholders, and individuals who have influence, passion, and/or expertise in building healthy communities to make local policy, systems, and environmental changes.
- Develop innovative partnerships to build and enhance collaborations locally, regionally, state-wide, and nationally.
- Maximize communication opportunities to disseminate best practices, lessons learned, and risks to advances made thus far.
Accountable Partner: FORWARD, DuPage County Health Department -
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Present the publication at a FORWARD Coalition meeting. Present the publication at community events or trainings hosted by FORWARD. Present the publication at the community groups to which the DuPage County Health Department/Community Initiatives Coordinators provide technical assistance/support. Identify other venues for presenting the information. Through the Coalition, identify opportunities and venues and schedule presentations. Provide talking points and copies of the publication to Coalition partners so they can be spokespersons. Have them report back on the number of people reached. Accountable Partner: FORWARD, DuPage County Health Department -
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Promote the adoption of 5-4-3-2-1 Go!® to the FORWARD Coalition through the newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, presentations, and Coalition meetings. Provide 5-4-3-2-1 Go!®-specific programs to students in DuPage County via free health education courses offered by the DuPage County Health Department. Provide 5-4-3-2-1 Go!® to childcare providers in DuPage County. Secure funding for the printing of 5-4-3-2-1 Go!® materials. Promote 5-4-3-2-1 Go!® as a tool everyone can use to address obesity in DuPage County. Accountable Partner: FORWARD, DuPage County Health Department -
Impact Objective 1.4: By December 31, 2016, secure $100,000 to support additional initiatives in DuPage County to reverse obesity.
- By December 31, 2017 - $100,000 more
- By December 31, 2018 - $100,000 more
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Through the FORWARD Advisory Board and Coalition, identify potential funding sources for DuPage County. Establish relationships with potential funders, including participation in the West Suburban Philanthropic Network. Accountable Partner: FORWARD
Worksites
-
Impact Objective 1.5: By December 31, 2016, four hospitals in DuPage County will implement strategies as outlined in the CDC's Under Pressure: Strategies for Sodium Reduction in the Hospital Environment to reduce sodium in their cafeterias, vending, and/or patient menus.
- By December 31, 2017 - all hospitals (8)
Key Actions (Objectives 1.5 & 1.6):
Completed In progress Not Started Utilize FORWARD’s existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems, to provide information and recruit hospitals.
Conduct the CDC’s Healthier Hospital Food and Beverage Environment Scan and the CDC’s Healthy Hospital Physical Activity Environment Scan, discussing the results with each hospital’s food/beverage committee.
Encourage the hospital to make improvements to its policies/food procurement; marketing; built environment, including cafeteria, vending, and patient menus; education of patients, staff, and community; and involvement of community partners in order to reduce sodium and increase physical activity, and provide technical assistance as needed.
Introduce hospitals to local and national experts to support their efforts.
Accountable Partners: DuPage County Health Department, FORWARD -
Impact Objective 1.6: By June 30, 2016, the CDC’s Healthier Hospital Food and Beverage Environment Scan and the CDC’s Healthy Hospital Physical Activity Environment Scan will be conducted in four hospitals in DuPage County.
- By June 30, 2017 - all hospitals (8)
Key Actions (Objectives 1.5 & 1.6):
Completed In progress Not Started Utilize FORWARD’s existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems, to provide information and recruit hospitals.
Conduct the CDC’s Healthier Hospital Food and Beverage Environment Scan and the CDC’s Healthy Hospital Physical Activity Environment Scan, discussing the results with each hospital’s food/beverage committee.
Encourage the hospital to make improvements to its policies/food procurement; marketing; built environment, including cafeteria, vending, and patient menus; education of patients, staff, and community; and involvement of community partners in order to reduce sodium and increase physical activity, and provide technical assistance as needed.
Introduce hospitals to local and national experts to support their efforts.
Accountable Partners: DuPage County Health Department, FORWARD -
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Utilize FORWARD’s existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems, to provide information and share policies.
Promote involvement with Healthcare Without Harm and the Healthy Food in Healthcare Pledge.
Promote the reduction of sugar consumption by introducing the Illinois Public Health Institute’s ReThink Your Drink Strategies that promote healthy beverage consumption in the cafeteria, vending, and/or patient menus.
Utilize other evidence based tools and strategies among the hospitals to advance adoption of additional strategies.
Accountable Partners: FORWARD -
Impact Objective 1.8:By December 30, 2017, the DuPage County Health Department will have achieved Gold Level recognition from the American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index, or other nationally recognized program, and Platinum Level recognition by December 30, 2018.
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Begin discussions on this effort at the Health Department’s WorkLife Committee.
Get buy-in from WorkLife Committee, Human Resources Director, Director of Organizational Development, and Executive Director for pursuing recognition
Work with the Health Department staff and committees to identify opportunities within the Workplace Health Achievement application and create action plan to make improvements
Participate in and report back on progress through FORWARD’s existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems.
Apply for Gold Level recognition
Apply for Platinum Level recognition (achieve by December 30, 2018)
Accountable Partners: DuPage County Health Department -
Key Actions (Objectives 1.9 & 1.10):
Completed In progress Not Started Utilize FORWARD's existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems, to provide information and recruit hospitals.
Get buy-in from hospital committees, human resources, and senior staff for pursuing recognition.
Work with hospitals to identify opportunities within the Workplace Health Achievement application and create an action plan to make improvements.
Participate in and report back on progress through FORWARD's existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems.
Assist hospitals in applying for Gold Level recognition.
Assist hospitals in applying for Worksite Innovation recognition.
Accountable Partners: FORWARD -
Key Actions (Objectives 1.9 & 1.10):
Completed In progress Not Started Utilize FORWARD's existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems, to provide information and recruit hospitals.
Get buy-in from hospital committees, human resources, and senior staff for pursuing recognition.
Work with hospitals to identify opportunities within the Workplace Health Achievement application and create an action plan to make improvements.
Participate in and report back on progress through FORWARD's existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems.
Assist hospitals in applying for Gold Level recognition.
Assist hospitals in applying for Worksite Innovation recognition.
Accountable Partners: FORWARD -
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Utilize FORWARD's existing workgroup, Improving the Food and Beverage Environment in DuPage Health Care Systems, to explore partnerships with Choose DuPage, Midwest Center for Business and Health, DuPage Society of Human Resource Management, Chambers of Commerce, and the DuPage County Convention and Visitors Bureau to expand efforts. Recruit chamber representatives and business executives to serve as advisors to help guide and advance a pilot in worksite wellness.
By December 31, 2016, secure funding to implement a pilot project that tests select tools, best practices, marketing/sales materials, and community resources in select worksites and establish overall goals.
Adopt and share evidence-based worksite wellness strategies with businesses to recruit participants.
By March 31, 2018, 10 businesses will have implemented Rethink Your Drink initiatives.
By June 30, 2018, identify and secure 15 large businesses in DuPage County to implement comprehensive employee wellness plans.
Train wellness teams about assessment and implementation strategies to increase physical activity and healthy eating.
Utilize the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard assessment tool.
Assist worksites in drafting policies and implementing programming that promotes wellness.
Accountable Partners: FORWARD, DuPage County hospitals -
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Share Workplace Health Achievement Index opportunity with FORWARD Coalition and other partners and encourage application. Assist worksites in identifying opportunities within the Workplace Health Achievement Index application and creating an action plan to make improvements.
Assist worksites in applying for Gold or Platinum Level recognition.
Provide ongoing technical assistance and share resources.
By December 31, 2017, encourage incorporation of Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operation.
Develop marketing/outreach plan; compile/create materials about evidence-based strategies to increase opportunities for physical activity.
Accountable Partners: FORWARD, DuPage County hospitals
Early Childhood
Outcome Objective 2a: By December 31, 2018, reduce obesity prevalence by 5 percent from baseline (15.7 in 2014 to 14.9 in 2018) in DuPage County 2-4 year olds enrolled in WIC (the USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), as reported by the DuPage County Health Department, through policy, systems, and environmental change.
-
Impact Objective 2.1: By March 31, 2016, identify and engage an academic partner to lead research on:
- Suspected racial/ethnic difference that might be contributing to the obesity prevalence disparities in DuPage County 2-4 year olds enrolled in WIC
- Identifying areas for targeted, feasible intervention
- Implementation and assessment of response and effectiveness of intervention(s), by measuring outcomes and impact
Key Actions (Objectives 2.1-2.3):
Completed In progress Not Started Proposed WIC Study Design ComponentsIdentify and engage academic partner to lead research A review/environmental scan and gap analysis of DCHD WIC services and federal WIC recommendations to explore opportunities/interventions to enhance services/resources and improve outcomes. Identify and engage WIC staff subject matter expert (SME) Understanding of suspected racial/ethnic differences that may be contributing to the overweight and obesity prevalence disparities. Readiness to change assessment Intervention(s) focusing on Hispanic children, younger children, mothers at risk of having a child with a high birthweight and/or children born with a high birthweight. Intervention(s) should address both healthy eating and increased physical activity. In addition to ongoing WIC BMI surveillance, identify relevant data elements/measures to track intervention impact and outcomes. Follow appropriate procedures to protect human subject safety and data security (e.g., WIC/Illinois DHS approval, institutional review board approval). Accountable Partner: DuPage County Health Department, FORWARD, academic partner leading research -
Key Actions (Objectives 2.1-2.3):
Completed In progress Not Started Proposed WIC Study Design ComponentsA review/environmental scan and gap analysis of DCHD WIC services and federal WIC recommendations to explore opportunities/interventions to enhance services/resources and improve outcomes. Identify and engage WIC staff subject matter expert (SME) Understanding of suspected racial/ethnic differences that may be contributing to the overweight and obesity prevalence disparities. Readiness to change assessment Intervention(s) focusing on Hispanic children, younger children, mothers at risk of having a child with a high birthweight and/or children born with a high birthweight. Intervention(s) should address both healthy eating and increased physical activity. In addition to ongoing WIC BMI surveillance, identify relevant data elements/measures to track intervention impact and outcomes. Follow appropriate procedures to protect human subject safety and data security (e.g., WIC/Illinois DHS approval, institutional review board approval). Accountable Partner: DuPage County Health Department, FORWARD, academic partner leading research -
Key Actions (Objectives 2.1-2.3):
Completed In progress Not Started Proposed WIC Study Design ComponentsA review/environmental scan and gap analysis of DCHD WIC services and federal WIC recommendations to explore opportunities/interventions to enhance services/resources and improve outcomes. Identify and engage WIC staff subject matter expert (SME) Understanding of suspected racial/ethnic differences that may be contributing to the overweight and obesity prevalence disparities. Readiness to change assessment Intervention(s) focusing on Hispanic children, younger children, mothers at risk of having a child with a high birthweight and/or children born with a high birthweight. Intervention(s) should address both healthy eating and increased physical activity. In addition to ongoing WIC BMI surveillance, identify relevant data elements/measures to track intervention impact and outcomes. Follow appropriate procedures to protect human subject safety and data security (e.g., WIC/Illinois DHS approval, institutional review board approval). Accountable Partner: DuPage County Health Department, FORWARD, academic partner leading research
Outcome Objective 2b: By December 31, 2018, reduce obesity prevalence by 5 percent from baseline (14.3 to 13.6 percent) in DuPage County public school kindergarten students through policy, systems, and environmental change.
-
Impact Objective 2.4a: By June 30, 2016, seven early childhood centers in DuPage County will complete the nutrition and physical activity self-assessments of Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC), or other evidence-based assessment.
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Ensure that activities and resources align with the Illinois Licensing Standards for Daycare Centers. Research and promote best practices for early childhood centers in implementing successful and sustainable strategies. Work with YWCA to identify potential early childhood centers and to provide introductions. Recruit early childhood centers to participate. Secure funding to make recruitment of early childhood centers easier by providing mini-grants and a technical advisor. Provide technical assistance to each early childhood center to bring about the successful completion of the self-assessments and action plans for nutrition and physical activity, including staff training, center observations, assistance with self-assessments, assistance with action plans, fruition of at least two goals from the action plan, and timeline development for completion of remaining goals in the action plan. Partner with early childhood collaboratives in DuPage County. Accountable Partner: DuPage County Health Department
-
Impact Objective 2.4b: By June 30, 2017, eight early childhood centers in DuPage County will complete the nutrition and physical activity self-assessments of Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC), or other evidence-based assessment.
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Ensure that activities and resources align with the Illinois Licensing Standards for Daycare Centers. Research and promote best practices for early childhood centers in implementing successful and sustainable strategies. Work with YWCA to identify potential early childhood centers and to provide introductions. Recruit early childhood centers to participate. Secure funding to make recruitment of early childhood centers easier by providing mini-grants and a technical advisor. Provide technical assistance to each early childhood center to bring about the successful completion of the self-assessments and action plans for nutrition and physical activity, including staff training, center observations, assistance with self-assessments, assistance with action plans, fruition of at least two goals from the action plan, and timeline development for completion of remaining goals in the action plan. Partner with early childhood collaboratives in DuPage County. Accountable Partner: DuPage County Health Department
-
Impact Objective 2.5: By June 30, 2018, fifteen early childhood centers in DuPage County will create and begin implementation of action plans, at least one action will be physical activity related, to address opportunities identified in nutrition and physical activity self-assessments of Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC).
- Connect with 7 centers in first year
- Connect with 8 centers in second year
- Continue to work to build sustainability with first 7 centers in second year
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Ensure that activities and resources align with the Illinois Licensing Standards for Daycare Centers. Research and promote best practices for early childhood centers in implementing successful and sustainable strategies. Expand partnerships with University of Illinois Extension, YWCAs, hospitals, and other FORWARD Coalition members to implement pre-k Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH), a proven program that prevents childhood obesity. Research and promote parental engagement and communication strategies. Provide technical assistance to each early childhood center to bring about the successful completion of the self-assessments and action plans for nutrition and physical activity, including staff training, center observations, assistance with self-assessments, assistance with action plans, fruition of at least two goals from the action plan, and timeline development for completion of remaining goals in the action plan. Assist early childhood centers in identifying funding to implement opportunities identified in the action plans. Partner with early childhood collaboratives in DuPage County. Accountable Partner: DuPage County Health Department
-
Impact Objective 2.6: By June 30, 2018, one early childhood center serving low-income children in DuPage County will receive recognition from Let's Move! Child Care.
- By December 31, 2018 - 2 more
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Provide each center with information on Let's Move! Child Care and assist interested early childhood centers with the application for recognition. Partner with early childhood collaboratives in DuPage County. Accountable Partner: DuPage County Health Department
Schools
Outcome Objective 3: By December 31, 2018, reduce obesity prevalence from 15.1 to 14.4 percent in DuPage County kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade public school students, as reported by the DuPage County Health Department, through policy, systems, and environmental change.
-
Impact Objective 3.1: By June 30, 2017, 25 schools in DuPage County will create or expand district wellness committees/school health teams that meet regularly to support development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and regular revision of school health policies and plans. Health teams will be composed of at least five people: teachers, administrators, parents, students, and/or community members.
- By June 30, 2018 - 60 schools total
- By June 30, 2019 - 100 schools total
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started School Health Advisory Councils: Develop a county-wide School Health Advisory Council of experts who can provide assistance and connect schools to resources. Recruitment: Recruit schools and districts to participate. Utilize the school's latest body mass index (BMI), blood pressure data, school health self-assessment (especially the school health index) and socioeconomic data to identify needs as well as readiness to participate based on historical activities. Training/Technical Assistance: Provide schools with School Health Team trainings/technical assistance on the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition to academic success via conference calls, trainings, and events for participating schools. Training and TA provided by AFHK, Namaste Charter School, and other partners. School Staff Scholarships: Award scholarships to teachers and other school staff to attend conferences to improve their knowledge of school and child health best practices. WellSAT: The Coalition will work with select districts in DuPage to complete the WellSAT 2.0 Policy Assessment tool. Improvements to nutrition standards and physical activity components for the district wellness policy will be recommended and resources provided for incorporating the standards into the policy. -
Impact Objective 3.2: By June 30, 2017, 25 schools in DuPage County will create an action plan to implement school wellness policies and improve practices and environments.
- By June 30, 2018 - 60 schools total
- By June 30, 2019 - 100 schools total
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started School Health Index: Partner schools will complete the nutrition and physical activity assessments of AFHK's School Health Index (SHI) and develop an online action plan to address opportunities identified in the assessment. Learning the Namaste Way Institutes: Select partner schools will participate in Learning the Namaste Way Institutes to (1) learn effective ways to incorporate more health and wellness initiatives, and (2) learn how to build a school focused on nutrition, movement, and peaceful culture. Accountable Parter: Action for Healthy Kids, Namaste Charter School, FORWARD, DuPage County Health Department -
Impact Objective 3.3: By June 30, 2017, 25 schools will implement AFHK's Game On program and/or activities aligned with Learning the Namaste Way to achieve school health policy, systems, and environment and practice changes.
- By June 30, 2018 - 60 schools total
- By June 30, 2019 - 100 schools total
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started School Grants: $1,000 Game On grants will be available through AFHK's school portal to support program implementation. Namaste Way Institute Technical Assistance: Schools in DuPage County will receive implementation technical assistance via the Learning the Namaste Way Institute. On-site Visits: Partners will conduct on-site visits to provide TA and make recommendations. Visits to Namaste Charter School: Namaste Charter School will host site visits to its campus. Accountable Parter: Action for Healthy Kids, Namaste Charter School, FORWARD, DuPage County Health Department -
Impact Objective 3.4: By June 30, 2018, at least 10 schools will apply for HealthierUS School Challenge, Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program, or another approved recognition program.
- By June 30, 2019 - 25 schools total will have applied
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Promotion/Awareness: Create awareness of recognition opportunities via newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, website, and presentations about the key components and available local resources that support schools in their journey to become health promoting schools. Application Support: The Coalition will provide technical assistance throughout the application process for those schools in need of assistance. Accountable Parter: Action for Healthy Kids, Namaste Charter School, FORWARD, DuPage County Health Department -
Impact Objective 3.5: By June 30, 2017, 40 schools will host events and expand their relationships with parents, volunteers, and other community partners to support school health advancement.
- By June 30, 2018 - 100 total schools will host events
Key Actions:
Completed In progress Not Started Every Kid Healthy Week Events: During Every Kid Healthy Week (April 2017), or when it aligns with school activities, 40 schools in DuPage County will host community wellness celebrations. Community Partner Expansion: Accountable partners will support schools implementing programs by helping them expand partnerships with school health collaborators, such as University of Illinois Extension, YMCAs, hospitals, and other FORWARD Coalition members implementing Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH), a proven program that prevents childhood obesity. Accountable Parter: Action for Healthy Kids, Namaste Charter School, FORWARD, DuPage County Health Department