Health and Wellness in Golden: Youth access to tobacco; Mitchell elementary's "week without sweets"; walking meetings; bus service

This morning the metro mayors had the special opportunity of walking and talking with the Surgeon General of the United States, Regina Benjamin.  The good doctor was at the Colorado Center for Health and Wellness on the CU medical center promoting National Public Health week. Much of her message resounded with the vision of the Golden community and the goals of city council.


Use of Tobacco. Calling tobacco smoking a "pediatric epidemic," Dr. Benjamin reports that each day, more than 1200 people die due to smoking and for every one of those deaths, at least two new youths or young adults become regular smokers.  Her charge for city leaders is to make the next generation tobacco free. At the next council study session, Thursday April 5, council will discuss taking steps to limit youth access to tobacco through a proposed ordinance that requires tobacco retailers to obtain a license from the city. Licensed establishments would be prohibited from establishing their retail outlet within 500 feet of youth oriented facilities. More information is on the city website. 

Community wellness. The metro mayors meeting also devoted time to a presentation on making Colorado the healthiest state in the nation.  A healthy lifestyle is a goal of all families and also a selling point for companies deciding to remain in or move to a community. Although Colorado is the state with the lowest obesity rate for adults, over 20% of adult Coloradans are obese. And the state ranks a dismal 29th in childhood obesity. Golden and other cities can work to reverse this trend, promoting healthy eating habits planning safe, inviting places for people to engage in physical activity.

Our schoolchildren are very aware of the situation and have applied creativity to the issue. For instance, a team of kids at Mitchell Elementary has decided to hold a "Week Without Sweets" beginning for April 16th. During the week, the team will promote eating foods that contain no added sugars.  On Friday, April 20th, the school will have Sugar Swap, when kids can bring in sweet treats and trade them for a piece of fruit or a vegetable. These superstar kids have worked hard to promote the week and encourage good nutrition habits.

The other side of the healthy-living equation involves physical activity. Making Golden an active, walkable town is in the forefront of council's agenda. And inspired by the Surgeon General and other health advocates, I have decided to hold walking meetings. Folks who call to schedule time with me as mayor can now expect to convene on one of our sidewalks or trails, rather than in a conference room. By integrating walking with a discussion of Golden's issues, we'll be productive while enjoying our town's scenic beauty and improving our fitness.

A related topic concerns multi-modal transportation systems that allow drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians to mix and match their travel options. Because light rail is coming to Golden soon, it's time to plan bus connections effective with the opening of the West Rail Line.  RTD is holding public hearings this month to present draft plans for bus service changes and receive public input.  The closest meeting to Golden will be held at the Jefferson County Justice Center (the Taj) on Monday, April 16 from 7-9 p.m.  It's a great chance to weigh in on the anticipated circulator service connecting the station with Golden destinations.