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Dear Mayor:
In recent weeks
you should have received a binder of crucial information
from the Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC). As you may know,
the League of Municipalities is a key partner in this initiative,
which was created by the New Jersey Health Care Quality
Institute and the Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers
University, with assistance from premier sponsors Aetna
and Benecard Services.
As part of our
support for this important program, I was pleased to participate
in a recent MWC press conference at which we announced the
honorary spokespersons for the MWC: Governor James and Lucinda
Florio and bestselling author and renowned heart surgeon
Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Obesity is a
growing epidemic in New Jersey, and one that we must address
at the local level - not only is this crisis costing lives;
it is costing local businesses and governments literally
millions of additional dollars every year. The MWC has given
you tools to address this important issue by encouraging
your citizens to lead healthier lifestyles.
The binder that
the MWC sent you is a "toolbox" of workable, user-friendly
and inexpensive programs that you can implement in your
municipality focusing on youth and employers. In the coming
month, you will receive the final two sections of the toolbox,
focusing on seniors and communities. The ultimate goal of
the campaign is to improve health and reduce the skyrocketing
health care costs that come with the obesity problem.
You know firsthand
how important mayors and other local leaders are in directly
impacting the lives of citizens. It is because of this role
and responsibility that I strongly urge you to sign the
pledge that accompanied the toolbox and start planning MWC
programs in your municipality. We would like to see 100%
of New Jersey mayors sign this pledge. With your commitment,
we can make a tremendous impact in the health of our citizens
and the future of our communities.
If you have any
questions about the MWC, or for help in getting started,
please call the Mayors Wellness Campaign at 609-393-4953.
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