The Physically Healthy Collaborative Action Network (CAN) of NEK Prosper! is committed to maintaining physical health & well-being through healthy behaviors & medical care.

Energize 365 is a community-wide campaign to increase physical activity.

Please join us in our newest activity Rise and Walk! Rise and Walk is a great way to meet new people and add activity into your day.  Rise and Walk provides encouragement, camaraderie, and a social support system by hosting pre-planned, regularly scheduled, group walks for all ages.  The walks are held in St. Johnsbury on Tuesday evenings from 6 – 7 p.m.   Meet at the park at Main Street/Winter Street.  This is a free event sponsored by the Physically Healthy CAN of NEK Prosper and Rise VT.

Measures and Indicators:

The Physically Healthy CAN is trying to turn the curve on physical activity in our region.

Outcome:

Everyone in Cal-Essex Counties is physically healthy by 2023

% of adults with no leisure time for aerobic activity

% of adults meeting aerobic activity guidelines

Story Behind the Curve

Being physically active is one of the most important things adults can do to improve their health. Regular physical activity can reduce the burden of chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, and can prevent early death. Physical activity can also help people with chronic conditions manage their disease, as well as help manage weight, prevent falls, reduce depression, and may improve cognitive skills. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week. Adults tend to spend long hours sitting at work or home in front of “screens”. Additionally, the rural nature of Vermont has inadequate “active living” infrastructure.

Partners

Vermont Department of Health and Transportation. Local fitness facilities and recreation departments. Regional Planning Commissions. Local government.

Get Active with Energize 365

Energize Expedition!  Click here to learn more.

Photo of the Month: Each month we feature a photo in the Caledonian Record of people in our community having fun being active.  Send us an email with the photo (in digital format), names of any people in the photo, and the location of the photo.

Smoothie Bikes:  Looking for a fun way to add activity and good nutrition to your next school, church, worksite, or community event?  Borrow – free of charge – one or both of our smoothie bikes and enjoy the ride!

Pop Ups in the Parks:   Pop Ups in the Parks returns for 2021! Classes featuring  Essentrics/Tone/Stretch, Pound, Tai Chi, Yoga and Zumba will be offered at the Main Street Park in St. Johnsbury and the Lyndon Bandstand Park in Lyndonville. Classes are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jen Grant at (802) 748-9405 ext. 1026 or email at jennifergr@nchcvt.org.  

Photo Gallery

Tools and Resources:

The Physically Healthy CAN is trying to turn the curve on physical activity in our region.

• Energize 365 Impact Report 2019
• Smoothie Bike Event Waiver
• Easy Smoothie Recipe
• More Smoothie Recipes

How to Get Involved:

Borrow a Smoothie Bike, submit a photo for the Photo of the Month,  download a copy of our Worksite Toolkit, or join one of our seasonal activities like Pop Ups in the Park.

Submit an active event for our event calendar so that others in the NEK can easily find fun and active things to do.

Or join our Collaborative Action Network.

CAN members have strong expertise, influence, interest and/or resources in area of focus.

Currently Physically Healthy CAN Members include representatives from:

• Home Health
  
• Healthcare
• Towns of St. Johnsbury and Lyndon
• Vermont Department of Health
• Council on Aging
• Lyndon Outing Club
• Local Fitness Providers

If you are interested in joining the CAN or want to learn more about our work contact Jen Grant at jennifergr@nchcvt.org or Jesse Dimick at j.dimick@nvrh.org.