Dr. Oz Helped Launch Historic Health Initiative

A marathon, not a sprint, to improve the health and well-being of our community.

Early in February, Healthy Central Florida (HCF), a unique health initiative established by Florida Hospital and the Winter Park Health Foundation, was launched with the help of America’s Doctor, Dr. Mehmet Oz.  Hundreds of community leaders from Winter Park, Maitland, and Eatonville came together to listen to the host of the Emmy-award winning The Dr. Oz Show help put the “move” back into movement. The HCF vision is to get people moving more, eating healthier, feeling better, and enjoying a more vibrant, energized life.

With the sun rising over the courtyard at Full Sail Live Venue in Winter Park, the guests’ morning doldrums were quickly dispelled when a flash mob began an energetic performance to get us pumped up for the entrance of the equally energetic cardiothoracic surgeon. Dr. Oz, who has the ability to connect with his audience on an intimate level, stressed the power that a community has to work together and make real changes to improve long-term health.

Research indicates that a focus on individual behavior is not enough to affect change, Florida Hospital reports. Behavior is impacted by environments such as workplace cultures, family dynamics, school settings, and community level conditions. Community leaders were asked to take a “3:30:3” pledge – a commitment to be active three days a week, for 30 minutes, for three months. A web-based tool was unveiled (www.FindActivitiesFun.org) to help local residents find enjoyable ways to be active in the vicinity of the three communities targeted to kick off the initiative.

Orlando Family Magazine asked Dr. Mehmet Oz to share his time and thoughts regarding getting and staying healthy.

OFM: With all the resources available, why are families finding it so difficult to pursue a healthy lifestyle?

Dr. Oz: It’s difficult to make the right choices when we’re all so busy. We’re worried about making it home in time for dinner or running late for practice, so getting in 30 minutes of physical activity or a well-balanced meal can fall by the wayside. This is why we need to make it easy to do the right thing. Automate meal plans to decrease the chances of reaching for something less than nutritious. Start your day with a quick, seven-minute work-out. That way, no matter what the day brings, you’ve already made that time for yourself.

OFM: Why is it important to begin the journey to health within the family unit?

Dr. Oz: When you’re committed as a family, it increases the chances of everyone being healthier. And it’s a great way to bond as a family. My family and I love playing sports together; which is why we’ve instituted the annual tradition of the Oz Olympics. It’s a tournament of four events, each designed around one of our kid’s strengths (we have four, ages 12-26).  Each compete in all four events, so to win the medal, one has to succeed at someone else’s event as well as his or her own.

OFM: How can a publication such as Orlando Family Magazine help families with hectic schedules pursue healthy lifestyles?

Dr. Oz: Orlando Family Magazine is a great way to learn about new, user-friendly tips that are relevant to your area. For example, you have such wonderful produce here right at your fingertips.

OFM: How was your trip to Central Florida? Was the community responsive to the Healthy Central Florida Initiative?

Dr. Oz: I loved being in Orlando, and I was overwhelmed by the excitement and desire to get healthier. Not only will the community be better for it, but you’re building stronger relationships with each other.

From Dr. Oz to OFM Families

His Favorite Tips for getting and staying health

• Automate your meals: have rotating weekly or monthly meal plans to take the guesswork out of eating.
• Always keep healthy snacks on-hand: Stash sandwich bags of walnuts and almonds in the car and/or throw some washed fruit in the diaper bag
• Make exercise a family activity: Sports are a great way to get active and encourage the spirit of healthy competition

For more information on Health Central Florida, visit HealthyCentralFlorida.org