SEQUIM — The Sequim-Dungeness Valley Health Community Coalition will kick off a new community health initiative this Saturday.
Ready, Set, Go 5210! will be introduced at 4 p.m. at Sequim City Hall, 152 W. Cedar St.
The initiative is a community-wide effort to help decrease chronic disease and improve the health of adults and children alike, say Dr. Chris Frank, Clallam County public health officer, and Monica Dixon, coalition co-chair with Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias.
The initiative counsels that people who eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, do two hours or less of recreational screen time, have one hour of physical activity and zero sugar-sweetened beverages have been proven to combat both obesity and chronic disease — thus: 5210.
“The 5210 initiative is about changing the culture of a community toward wellness, rather than just another program,” said Dixon a registered dietician and holder of a doctorate.
“We are excited to join with 5210 work already being done in Kitsap and Pierce counties to the south of us.”
Those who attend the kick-off will receive tools and activities on how to incorporate 5210 where they live, learn, work and play.
Light, healthful snacks will be provided by Nourish Restaurant and entertainment will be provided by the Sunshine Girls singers and the Living Fruit and Vegetable Guys.
Dixon also will announce the launch of a new website that will be a one-stop resource for community wellness activities and information.
Educators, health care professionals, day care providers, business owners and anyone with an interest in becoming healthier are encouraged to attend the event.
The coalition is a collaborative effort among area organizations.
Members are the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, City of Sequim, Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services, Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic, Molina Health Care, Nourish Restaurant, Olympic Community View Foundation, Olympic Medical Center, Sequim Food Bank, Sequim School District and Shipley Center.