Dear [SENIOR CARE PROVIDER]:
As you know, obesity and inactive lifestyles have become deadly in the United States, and specifically in New Jersey. Obesity and related illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension are of particular concern for seniors in our communities. The consensus among health providers is that most seniors are under-active. Inactive lifestyles make our seniors particularly at risk for obesity and the accompanying complications. We must take preventative actions to stop this trend.
Recently, [municipality] joined New Jersey’s Mayors Wellness Campaign as a first step to getting our town on the road to active living and healthier lifestyles. The goal is to increase opportunities for [municipality] residents to participate in daily physical activity with a long-term goal of reducing health care costs secondary to obesity. Through public-private partnerships, the Mayors Wellness Campaign provides structure and resources for healthy community initiatives.
Mayors Wellness Campaign encourages Mayors to play a leadership role in supporting local opportunities for active, healthy lifestyles. I have taken them up on that challenge.
I invite you to join me in encouraging seniors in our communities to pursue wellness. Trusted care providers are in a unique position to alert our seniors to the importance of fitness programs, and to encourage healthy lifestyles in our communities.
To aid you in this effort, I have enclosed a summary chart of the programs recommended in the Mayors Wellness Campaign toolbox. If you would like the full toolbox document, you can download a free copy at www.mayorswellnesscampaign.org.
If you would like to participate in [municipality’s] efforts to encourage fitness among our seniors, please contact [name] in my office –he/she will help you get connected with the efforts we are undertaking to achieve this goal.
Join me – together we can make a real difference in the lives of all [municipality] residents.
Sincerely,
[name]
Mayor, [municipality]
