city news & information insidedublin ‘Healthy Dublin’ offers unique fitness, health opportunities for residents

A program offered free-of-charge to residents thanks to the relaunch of a community partnership is taking the City’s commitment to community health and fitness to a new level.

“Healthy Dublin,” a visionary, goal-oriented initiative formed through a partnership with area business and community groups, relaunches Oct. 2 with a community health fair from noon to 4 p.m. at the Dublin Community Recreation Center (DCRC). The program provides health screenings, wellness education, health events and resources to establish or maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“What makes ‘Healthy Dublin’ different from other community fitness programs is our interactive website. Developed through the 411Fit wellness program, it allows participants to enter biometrics and health information and determine an activity program tailored to their needs and interests,” said Matt Earman, director of recreation services.

Through the www. healthydublin.org website, residents and Dublin employees can enter data and track progress while engaging in a wide variety of activities, events and challenges.

Earman added that, with voluntary data provided by “Healthy

Dublin” participants, the City can develop an aggregate benchmark of health and wellness and identify the community’s greatest programmatic needs and wants to improve and refine the program.

Another innovative aspect of “Healthy Dublin” is the integration of the HealthSpot Care4 Station, a highdefinition, live interactive video that allows individuals to speak with a physician about health issues and get pharmacy, wellness and other health management information (see sidebar article).

Several years ago, driven by the goals of Dublin City Council to provide a healthy environment with opportunities for fitness and wellness for residents, the City began creating a health awareness program, Earman said.

John Reiner, Dublin City Council member, added that Dublin has been an innovator in community fitness with the first community recreation center in the area and as a

“Healthy Dublin” - continued

pioneer in developing community bike trails. He sees “Healthy Dublin” as another example of leadership in community health and wellness.

The original wellness partnership had financial support from Medical Mutual of Ohio patterned after similar programs they had supported in the state. When the company’s business model changed earlier this year due to federal health care legislation and regulatory issues, Medical Mutual offered the funds - $125,000 - to Dublin and its partners to continue developing the initiative.

“We spent the first half of 2011 working with the other ‘Healthy Dublin’ partners and building the program to be more goal-oriented and measurable with a focus on residents and Dublin businesses and their employees,” Earman said.

Community partners working closely with the City include Dublin Methodist Hospital, the Dublin Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Dublin City Schools, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Washington Township.

“Small to mediumsized businesses often have a difficult time developing wellness programs, but having one in place can reduce the cost of health insurance and related expenses. Dublin businesses may use this program to keep employees healthy and to cut the costs of health care,” he said.

“To be effective, ‘Healthy Dublin’ takes a level of commitment and time, but it will give participants what they need to manage and improve their health,” Earman added.

Participation in “Healthy Dublin” is open to all Dublin School District residents and corporate residents; membership in the DCRC is not required. For more information about “Healthy Dublin,” visit www.healthydublin.org

If you go, here’s what you need to know:

Location: Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Rd., Dublin, OH 43017

Date and times: Sunday, Oct. 2, noon to 4 p.m.

What to wear: Casual attire, workout clothes – just be comfortable!

Admission fee: Free

Learn more about how “Healthy Dublin” can help start or advance individual fitness programs and try out the innovative HealthSpot Care4 Station at the Oct. 2 community Health Fair - the official launch of “Healthy Dublin” at the DCRC.

Activities and events: Free health screenings, activities for children, Dublin Farmer’s Market, raffles, free health and fitness demonstrations including Reiki massages and relaxation, personal trainers and weight loss management and more.

For more information, visit: www.healthydublin.org