26 September 2005

Governor Sebelius urges Kansans to take action to improve health
Governor proclaims September 28 a “Day of Action” for better health

There are simple ways we all can live healthier lifestyles, Governor Kathleen Sebelius said today, and she urged Kansans to take steps to improve their health as part of a nationwide “Day of Action” on Wednesday.

“Looking at ways we can each live a healthier life, we should recognize that some changes are easy to make. Walking more during the day burns more calories. And we can each drink one less soda per day, for example. Simple steps add up to a longer, healthier life and savings on health care costs,” Governor Sebelius said.

Wednesday is the “America on the Move Day of Action” – a nationwide series of events encouraging all Americans to take two simple steps towards improving their health: walking 2,000 extra steps and consuming 100 fewer calories.

The Governor encouraged Kansans to find ways to incorporate more activity into their daily lives, which has been a major part of her Healthy Kansas initiative.

“Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or walk around the block during the lunch hour,” Sebelius said.

For workers in downtown Topeka, the Governor pointed out that two trips around the Capitol grounds equals roughly 2,000 steps.

Increased activity and reduced calorie consumption are the best ways to fight obesity, which greatly increases the risk of developing serious, costly chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, respiratory problems, chronic back pain and depression.

“What’s great about more physical activity and better eating habits is that both the individual and the community benefit from these simple choices,” the Governor said.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius’ “Healthy Kansas” initiative represents a comprehensive approach to improving the health of all Kansans. Included under the Healthy Kansas umbrella are integrated initiatives to:

Contain health care costs by streamlining administration, through the new Division of Health Policy and Finance, and by establishing a Health Care Cost Containment Commission, chaired by Lt. Governor John Moore;

Increase the coverage of Kansas children under the Healthwave program, as well as increasing coverage of children of state employees;

Reduce the costs of prescription drugs, through programs such as I-SaveRx and Community Rx; and

Assist small businesses in providing affordable coverage to their employees.

In addition, Governor Sebelius has provided a vision of a Healthy Kansas in which citizens across the state would increase physical activity, eat a more nutritious diet, and reduce or eliminate tobacco consumption. A truly “Healthy Kansas” means citizens will have access to first-rate, affordable health care and prescription drugs, and they will take responsibility for their own health by eating well, exercising regularly, and rejecting the use of tobacco.