| Question |
Answer |
|
|
What is Scarborough Wellness?
|
Scarborough Wellness is a community-based effort that seeks to promote good health in Scarborough, Maine by building awareness about healthy eating and physical activity, and undertaking activities that promote these activities.
|
| Question |
Answer |
Who makes up Scarborough Wellness?
|
Scarborough Wellness is made up of a group of concerned individuals in the town who came together out of a common interest in promoting health, and concern that we needed to do more in the town to promote healthy eating and physical activity. To date, a small group of individuals have been involved as the “Steering Group” of Scarborough Wellness (please see end of document for listing of individual members).
|
| Question |
Answer |
What is the major purpose of Scarborough Wellness?
|
The mission of Scarborough Wellness is to promote good health among Scarborough citizens by
(1) raising awareness about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, and
(2) undertaking a series of specific activities that promote these activities across the community.
|
| Question |
Answer |
How can I get involved in Scarborough Wellness?
|
There are several ways you can get involved. You can give suggestions for future activities, sign up to receive email notices of future activities, or sign up to volunteer at future activities. If interested, please leave your name, email address, mailing address, and phone and someone from Scarborough Wellness will contact you, or email Scarborough Wellness directly at
 .
|
| Question |
Answer |
Can I speak to someone directly involved in Scarborough Wellness?
|
Yes – just leave your name, email, and phone, or send an email with your question directly to
and a member of Scarborough Wellness Steering Group will get in touch with you.
|
| Question |
Answer |
How long has Scarborough Wellness been in place, and how did it get started?
|
In the spring of 2004, several Scarborough residents with a common interest in promoting health and wellness in the community came together to discuss the health challenges faced by residents of the town. This group discussed several important health issues, and identified significant concerns about the growing incidence of obesity, particularly regarding youth, both locally and statewide. The group identified a common interest in addressing the underlying problems of lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating, particularly as related to youth and families. The group also agreed to partner with Scarborough Community Services in its activities.
|
| Question |
Answer |
Is Scarborough Wellness a town-sponsored activity?
|
Scarborough Wellness has partnered with Scarborough Community Services to plan, conduct, and promote its activities, but is not directly a part of town government or structure.
|
| Question |
Answer |
Does Scarborough Wellness target activities for certain age groups?
|
While several of the individuals on the Steering Group had an initial interest in promoting activities addressing concerns about keeping our children healthy, the group agreed it is important to promote these types of activities for people of all ages.
|
| Question |
Answer |
What types of activities will Scarborough Wellness undertake?
|
The group plans to conduct a series of initial activities that aim to both (1) raise awareness and engage interest of Scarborough citizens in the importance of healthy eating and physical activity and, (2) promote behavior change related to physical activity and healthy eating in order to improve the health of the town and prevent the onset of chronic disease.
|
| Question |
Answer |
What specific activities has Scarborough Wellness been involved in to date?
|
To date, the group has undertaken the following activities:
|
|
- August 2004 - Had an informational table at the Scarborough Summerfest.
|
|
- September 2004 - Sent notices to elementary school parents encouraging them to send healthy snacks to school and to participate in community events (e.g. sports events).
|
|
- November 14, 2004 - Organized the Bridge to Health Walk as an initial“kick-off” event to promote physical activity in the town by celebrating the opening of the Eastern Trail bridge over the Scarborough marsh
|
|
- January 2005 - “Winter Wellness Festival” that featured information and interactive educational sessions on a variety of health and wellness topics.
|
|
- Ongoing - Scarborough Wellness members contribute regular, monthly feature articles on health and wellness to “The Current” newspaper
|
| Question |
Answer |
Does Scarborough Wellness have any future activities planned?
|
Scarborough Wellness is aiming to undertake one event each season to promote health and wellness. Details of location and date are expected soon! |
| Question |
Answer |
Are other organizations involved in Scarborough Wellness?
|
Scarborough Wellness has sought partnerships with several key groups and organizations, including…
|
|
- Scarborough Community Services
|
|
- Schools, including the director of the School Nutrition Program
|
|
- Communities Promoting Health at PROP, A Healthy Maine Partnership
|
|
|
| Question |
Answer |
How does Scarborough Wellness get funding?
|
To date, all activities undertaken have been supported by volunteer efforts and donations. The group is actively seeking corporate partners or sponsors, and is happy to accept appropriate donations of any kind!
|
| Question |
Answer |
Who are the founding members of Scarborough Wellness?
|
- Rep. Darlene Curley
- Nancy Jean Goudey RN
- Lee Hews-Casler
- Michelle Howard RD
- Val Jacobs
- Lucia Jones
- Steve Kirsch MD
- Lisa M. Letourneau MD, MPH
- Angela Levesque
- Lucie Rioux
- Scarborough Community Services
- Allison Smith OT
- Karen Vachon
- Heidi Will
- Communities Promoting Health at PROP, A Healthy Maine Partnership
|
| Question |
Answer |
| More Questions? |
Contact us at 883-8427 or by email here
|
