Lorain City Health Department

Mission & Goals:

The City of Lorain's Health Educators promote, maintain and improve individual and community health by assisting its residents to adopt healthy behaviors. Health Educators collect and analyze data to identify community needs, and implement, monitor and evaluate programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies and environments. They influence changes in policy and the environment to address health problems and give individuals, groups and their community the opportunity to acquire the information and skills needed to make quality health decisions. For more information, contact Nancy Toth, Health Educator at 440.204.2317.

The Obesity Epidemic

We are hearing more and more everyday about Obesity and the crisis we face in America – that perhaps we are literally eating ourselves to death! But what can we as individuals do about the problem? What is the crisis really all about? Check out Obesity in America. This free website is jam-packed with good information about obesity's causes, impact and research into how to reduce obesity.

Get Active – Your Way:

Wondering how much activity you need each week? Ready to get active but not sure where to begin? Or are you looking for ways to step up your routine? Check out the US Department of Health and Human Services 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Visit the Quick Guide to Healthy Living to find out what to do and how much activity you need.

School Health:

The Lorain City Health Department is an active partner with local schools to ensure the health and wellness of the city's children. The health department, with the help of the Lorain County General Health District, recently began a pilot of the Coordinated School Health Program in Lorain City Schools by assisting in forming an active wellness team at Washington Elementary School. Should the pilot program be successful, Lorain City Schools will eventually implement the program at each of its 16 schools.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative

Tobacco:

Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Tobacco use is responsible for 87% of lung cancers and a myriad of other health problems and has been identified as a cardiovascular disease risk factor. Tobacco smoke contains nearly 4000 chemicals of which at least 60 are carcinogens (cancer causing agents). Nationally, over 440,000 people die each year (1 of every 5 deaths) from tobacco related illnesses. Ohio ranks 11th in the nation for the number of people who smoke, and on average 50 Ohioans die each day from smoking related illnesses.

Tobacco Use Cessation:

If you are interested in participating in the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line program, please call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit their website at www.ohioquits.com . All services are available in English and Spanish, and for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community at TTY: 888-229-2182.

When to Call:

The Ohio Quit line is available

• Monday – Thursday: 9 AM to 11 PM

• Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM

• Saturday – Sunday: 10 AM to 6:30 PM

What happens when you call?

When you call the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line, you will receive FREE

• Support and advice from an experienced Quit Specialist

• A personalized quit plan and self-help materials

• The latest information about medications that can help you quit

Ohio tobacco quit lines free telephone service has helped thousands of Ohioans quit smoking, dipping or chewing tobacco. Quit line callers are 5 times more likely to quit for good. Quit now. Feel the difference!