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Health Promotion
The Health Promotion/Risk Reduction section of the Norwalk Health Department provides programs and services designed to increase awareness, enhance skills and change behaviors to improve the health of individuals and the community. Contributing behavioral factors that are addressed include: child passenger and pedestrian safety, lead poisoning, smoking, accidental injury and personal hygiene.
- Provides health promotion information, brochures and videos on public health issues including: lead poisoning, safety & injury prevention, lyme disease, healthy heart
- Develops and conducts wellness programs in the community ranging from diabetes self-care, environmental health, & safety and injury prevention
- Conducts community/worksite screenings and immunization programs such as: blood pressure, flu immunizations, measles, mumps & rubella, and rabies shots for animals
Programs
- Health fair/health screening program
- Annual flu immunization
- Pedestrian safety
- Become a NorWALKER
- Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
- Senior citizen health education program
Health Fair/Health Screening
The Health Fair/Health Screening Program provides the opportunity for both municipal employees and community residents to learn about various health issues and partake of health screenings for early disease detection. The health topics and screenings change with the Health Fair focus. This program is offered in the spring.
Annual Flu Immunization
The annual Flu Immunization program offers flu immunization at community-based locations throughout Norwalk as well as at the Health Department. The program is conducted in the fall.
Pedestrian Safety
The Pedestrian Safety program provides awareness and skill-building on pedestrian safety issues for children and the elderly.
Become a NorWALKER
The Norwalk Health Department has mapped out walking routes in the City of Norwalk, Connecticut to encourage its residents to incorporate activity in their daily lives. Some routes include information on areas of historical significance to Norwalk, while others point out environmental areas of interest. Find a neighborhood you would like to explore and Become a NorWALKER. The walking route maps are available online under Walking Routes in the "Quick Links" section of this website.
Healthy Eating & Physical Activity
The Norwalk Department of Health is committed to helping individuals and families get on the right track. Here are some suggestions for starting wellness activities:
Physical Activity
Take one step at a time: If you've been sedentary during the winter months (like many of us!), start out slow and gradually build to more vigorous exercise. For example, if you'd like to begin walking, start out walking around your block and then add a little more each day. Build up to 30 minutes of brisk walking a day (all at once or in 10 to 15 segments).
Look for easy ways to increase your physical activity: Park further from stores in parking lots; walk to get your mail, rather than stopping in your car; walk to your coworkers' desks in place of emailing of calling them; pace while you talk on the phone; take the stairs instead of the elevator; actively play with your kids or grandkids instead of just watching them; find new joy in housework as you think of all the calories you're burning!
Get support: Ask friends or family members to join you. Consider joining an exercise class for group support.
Pick an activity you enjoy: Going to the gym is not for everyone. Find an activity you like and stick to it. Remember, you're never too old to start; there's something for everyone!
Talk to your doctor: if you're concerned about how exercising may impact present health conditions.
Healthy Eating
Eat a rainbow of foods: The more color the better! Generally, the brighter the color, the healthier it is.
Get at least 5 servings of fruit and veggies per day: This may be easier than it seems:
- Banana in cereal = 2 servings
- Small salad at lunch = 1 serving
- Small apple at lunch = 1 serving
- Green beans with dinner= 1 serving
- ____________________________
- 1 Day = 5 servings of fruit and veggies
Try simple substitutions: Instead of a doughnut, have a bagel; instead of sauce or dressing on your dish, have it on the side; instead of seasoning with salt and butter, try lemon and herbs; instead of 2 eggs, have 1 egg and 1 egg white; instead of chips, try air-popped popcorn; instead of cooking meat right out of the package, trim the fat and remove the skin; instead of soda, drink water of 100% juice.
Watch your portion sizes: Portion sizes have increased drastically over time. In the 1950's a 6.5 oz. bottle of soda with only 88 calories was typical, but in the 1990's a 12 oz. can with 160 calories became the norm. Serve smaller portions, eat more slowly, and drink water while you eat-you'll find you get full without super sizing it.
Special Tips for Families
Be a positive role-model: Young kids love to imitate their parents. Set a good example by enjoying healthy foods and active play with your children.
Make healthy snacking easy: Put healthy snacks, like carrots, celery sticks, pretzels, and fruit, at lower shelves so kids can reach them.
Use rewards other than food: Using food as a reward is effective behavior management, but is not so good for setting healthy eating habits. Reward kids with special family outings, a new toy, a later bedtime, a favorite video rental, or other treats your kids love.
Make family time active time: Go on family adventures like hiking, fishing, and visiting public parks, zoos and other tourist attractions; encourage your children to do physically active household jobs like walking the dog and vacuuming; turn up the volume and start your day with dancing to a favorite song; designate an "activity zone" in your house where kids can roll, jump, dance and tumble; keep a stash of balls, jump ropes, Frisbees, etc. in your car so you're always ready for active fun.
Healthy eating and an active lifestyle will help you feel and look better. Try these tips and see how you gain more energy, sleep better, look refreshed, and improve your cardiovascular health!
For more information, visit:
 Become a NorWALKER
Family Guide to Healthy Eating
Physical Activity for Everyone
American Dietetic Association
Senior Citizen Health Education
This program, offered at senior centers and senior housing, provides health education
and health screenings targeted to the elderly.
Car Seat Safety
Choosing and using a car seat correctly makes a big difference in safety. The following are important tips:
- Use the right size car seat for your child's weight and age.
- Follow the instructions for your child's car seat and review the vehicle owner's manual on buckling tips.
- The back seat is the recommended area for your child.
- Air bags can kill a child too close to the dashboard in the front seat.
- Secure the car seat tightly, using a tether strap if the car seat provides one.
- Use a car seat each time your child rides in the car.
- Questions? Call the Auto Safety Hotline, 800/DASH-2-DOT
Safe Walking
Most children are hit near their home during the afternoon hours.
Here are some steps you can take to protect your children:
- Find safe play areas away from streets, driveways, or parking lots.
- Children under age 9 or 10 are not ready to take care of themselves around traffic.
- Dress children to be seen. Bright colors and reflective materials make them more visible to drivers.
- As a driver, slow down and be cautious on neighborhood streets, near schools and playgrounds.
- For more information, contact the Traffic Safety Hotline, 800/424-9393
Bicycle Helmet Safety
Bicycle helmet use is the only way to protect your child's head while riding. Urge your child to use a helmet so it can do its job.
- Bike helmets must meet a test of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Look for labels indicating CPSC approved.
- Wear a helmet straight and level.
- It must rest straight on the top of the head.
- The front should be just above the top of the eyebrows.
- A helmet must fit snugly.
- Put foam pads inside the rim to make the helmet fit snugly.
- These pads come with the helmet.
- Buckle the strap under the chin on every ride.
- The chin strap should be snug, with space for only one finger when it's buckled.
- For more information, Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: www.bhsi.org
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