While Michigan struggles with the high health care costs associated with obesity and chronic physical inactivity, some Michigan communities are making it difficult to live a healthy lifestyle, while others (through land use planning, community outreach and diverse coalitions) are making it easier.

That was a central message of national spokespersons, state health experts and Governor Granholm at the first-ever "Building Healthy Livable Communities Conference," held on May 22 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. MEC, the Michigan Land Use Institute and the Michigan Rails-to-Trails Conservancy were among the planning partners and co-sponsors of the successful event, sponsored by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Governor Granholm attended the lunch portion of the conference, speaking and handing out "Active Community Environment" (www.mihealthtools.org/Communities/) awards to communities that have removed barriers to physical activity and healthy eating. Mark Fenton, one of the nation's most entertaining and knowledgeable speakers on the topic of improving health, provided tools and strategies for taking local community action to affect land use planning and transportation decisions. Joel S. Hirschhorn, with the National Governors Association's Center for Best Practices, offered his take on the national perspective and need for coalitions to form to bring these issues forward.

"We had more than 250 people attend, which I think demonstrates the people of the state and the government are really ready to move our communities into a healthier place," said Karen Petersmarck of the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Studies show that factors like unplanned suburban growth, car-centered planning and single-use zoning have essentially engineered physical activity out of our daily lives, making it more difficult for kids to walk to school or for adults to access grocery stores and entertainment without cars. People in general do not get the amount of physical activity recommended by the Surgeon General and leading health organizations, which leads to cardiovascular disease, increased health care costs and obesity.

The conference drew together people from many diverse fields, including elected and appointed officials, planners and planners, city and transportation engineers, public health and education representatives, bicycle, equestrian and pedestrian advocates, dietitians and nutritionists and Parks and Recreation managers.

For more information:

Active Michigan Initiative (a project of MEC) (www.activemichigan.org)
Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports (www.michiganfitness.org)
Michigan Department of Community Health (www.michigan.gov/mdch)