May 9, 2019
PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that the municipality of Bethel Park has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign as both a community and school district, and the Perch at Pitt has joined the effort as the newest Live Well restaurant. Now participating are 64 communities, 49 restaurants, 31 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.
“We have always been most successful in this region when we work together, and striving for a healthier county is no exception,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “It will take all of us, collaboratively, to have an impact and we are grateful to the elected officials in Bethel Park, the administrators at the Bethel Park School District, and the management of Perch at Pitt in committing to helping us meet those goals.”
Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.
“It’s great to see another three entities make the choice to improve the health and well-being of its community members, students and patrons,” said Dr. Hacker. “We look forward to working with these groups as we strive to make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation. If you haven’t already applied to join the Live Well effort, we encourage you to do so today.”
Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:
Live Well Allegheny Community & School District
The Municipality of Bethel Park will promote and support farmers markets, develop walking maps and accessible outdoor wellness trails and encourage involvement with community volunteer activities. The municipality will also provide health information focused on monthly or seasonal events and utilize websites and social media to promote physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation and other health and wellness related initiatives. The community also announced the creation of the Live Well Allegheny Bethel Park Speaker’s series that is a health education program that will take place at the community center each month.
The Bethel Park School District has committed to improve the wellness of students, faculty, staff, parents and families through a coordinated effort with their Wellness Committee and Curriculum Department to promote proper nutrition, exercise and fitness activities, well-being, and education. Activities include running clubs for elementary school students, an activity club before the school day begins and yoga sessions in schools.
“I am very pleased that Bethel Park, both as a community and school district, has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Sue Means, the County Council Member representing District 5. “Eating right and exercising is the formula for happy healthy residents.”
Live Well Allegheny Restaurant
The Perch at Pitt has will eliminate trans-fat oils in their cooking and offer low calorie options, half portions, and vegetarian/vegan fare on its menu. The restaurant will also offer whole grains as an alternate to white rice, whole grain bread as an alternate to white bread, and low-fat milk (1% or skim) as an alternate to cream for hot beverages. The Perch will provide calorie counts and other nutritional information for customers.
Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.