'Healthy Living Alliance' formed to combat escalating obesity rate

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- The Thanksgiving leftovers may not be completely consumed, but before reaching for that last slice of pumpkin pie, a local study has revealed that the obesity rate in the county has reached 70 percent. This startling statistic has prompted a new initiative titled the “Healthy Living Alliance,” spearheaded by Montgomery County United Way.

“The program is still evolving,” said John Hennigan, former CEO and board member of the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD), and recently named Woodlands Hometown Hero. “A website for the Alliance is under development, and a logo will soon be revealed,” said Hennigan.

The result of a commissioned study by the Texas Health Institute, seven recommendations were made to MCUW and the county’s health care professionals; among them the Obesity Task Force formed last year just prior to the holiday season. The group consisted of a broad cross-section of the community forming the Montgomery County Obesity Task Force.

The focus of the task force was to address three main issues: eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and improving health literacy.

“The Greater Montgomery County Restaurant Association will be actively involved in the ‘Healthy Living Alliance’ initiative with the United Way,” said Dawn Candy, GMCRA board member, just prior to the holiday season.

It appears that the year-long efforts of the Obesity Task Force are culminating in the formation of an effective approach to what has become a startling statistic and a growing epidemic in Montgomery County.

“It’s a radical approach, a behavior modification program,” said Hennigan.

With just Phase 1 of the holiday feast having past, the timing of the “Healthy Living Alliance” comes none too soon. Stay tuned to Woodlands Online for more details as they emerge.