Healthy Eating, Active Living
(HEAL) Work Group
Our goals are:
1. Sharing healthy eating and active living resources, and
2. Promoting policies that support healthy lifestyles.
The HEAL work group includes organizations from all areas of Anne Arundel County who work together to promote and share local resources that encourage healthy eating and an active lifestyle.
Join us! Work group meetings are open to the community. HEAL meets every other month on the third Thursday from 12pm - 1pm on Zoom. For more information, contact HealthyAnneArundel@aacounty.org.
Healthy Meetings and Events
According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey conducted in Anne Arundel County in 2020, the adult obesity rate is now 31%. Scientific evidence suggests that about 1/3 of cancer deaths every year are related to poor diet, inactivity and obesity. These factors are rivaling tobacco as causes of cancer death. That is why we are asking our partner organizations to set a positive example in demonstrating healthy choices for food and activities during meetings and events.
Disability Inclusion Project
The U.S. Census Bureau (2021) estimates that more than 10% of the total population of Anne Arundel County has at least one disability.
The Disability Inclusion Subcommittee of HEAL was created to improve access and create inclusive opportunities for all individuals to participate in health, fitness, nutrition, and social activities, regardless of their physical or congnitive ability level. The “Accessible and Healthy Anne Arundel” subcommittee is comprised of individuals living with disabilities, disability-serving organizations, concerned citizens, and health professionals with the mission of eliminating barriers, enhancing access to community services, and improving the health of all who live, work, and play in Anne Arundel County.
Reserving County Fields for Sports and Activities
The Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks has established procedures for residents to use or reserve fields or facilities for youth sports and activities. Download the information sheet to find out the steps you will need to take for your group.
Click here to use the interactive ParkFinder!
Click the button below to download the Reservations Sheet.
Healthy Anne Arundel Day is April 7!
Because most of the major causes of death in Anne Arundel County are to a degree preventable, manageable, or improved upon with diet or exercise, we use Healthy Anne Arundel Day to educate, motivate, and build awareness of how a healthy lifestyle can prevent health risks and lead to long-lasting health.
We celebrate Healthy Anne Arundel Day on April 7th, which is also World Health Day! Residents are encouraged to get up and move, have fun, reduce stress, and improve mental wellbeing with an active lifestyle!
In 2024, we had 4 hub events with vendors, giveaways, healthy activities, and nutritious food and healthy food drives. There were also 22 free events held throughout the county focusing on physical health, fitness, and nutrition. Local libraries, public parks, health clubs, grocery stores, government agencies, and nonprofits all participated. Nearly 13,000 people took advantage of free admission to county parks that day!
The Federal PHIT Act (Personal Health Investment Today)
Currently, flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health saving accounts (HSA) are limited to expenses directly related to health care. The PHIT Act would expand these programs to allow fitness expenses and other physical activity costs to be included, making a physically active lifestyle more affordable for many individuals and families.
What can you do? Contact your legislator and tell them to pass the Federal PHIT Act!
https://www.passphit.org/
