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Making it Better: Minnesota's Health Improvement Log

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Oct. 31, 2019

Athletes and Asthma: The Community Coach's Role

Athletes and Asthma: The Community Coach’s Role

Online course now live!

The online course Athletes and Asthma: The Community Coach’s Role, is now available on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website. The course, developed with expertise from MDH Asthma Program staff, provides information and resources for the community coach by using animation, video and interactive scenario questions. Coaches will learn how to help players of all ages (K-12) who have asthma play to their full potential through scenarios that mimic the real-life decisions they face during practices and competitive events. 

The MDH Asthma Program staff would appreciate your support in sharing this announcement with your networks.

You can view the course and learn more at www.winningwithasthma.org.


Every Kid Healthy Minnesota Conference

Action for Healthy Kids logo

Event set for Nov. 19

The biennial conference Every Kid Healthy Minnesota Conference (formerly known as the Healthy Schools Conference), hosted by Action for Healthy Kids, will be held at Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center on Nov. 19. The conference will feature a keynote presentation, learning sessions from state and local level experts, an exhibit area, and plenty of opportunity for networking.

To register and find out more about the schedule, visit the Action for Healthy Kids site.


Helpful tips for completing forms

FAQ for local SHIP staff

Q:  Do I need to check the Certification Box on the Budget Summary page each time I create or update my budget?

A:  Yes, this is required in order to process your budget. By checking this box, you are certifying that you are adhering to the legislation. 


Asphalt Art Initiative grant opportunity

Asphalt Art Initiative

Funding supports arts-driven transportation projects

The Asphalt Art Initiative uses art and community engagement to improve street safety and revitalize public spaces. A competitive grant opportunity is available for 10 small and mid-sized American cities to receive up to $25,000 each to implement their arts-driven transportation projects. The application is open to U.S. cities with populations of 30,000-500,000. The grant application deadline is Dec. 12.

Learn more about the grant. 


Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department application changed

Breastfeeding friendly logo

Forms moved online

The application for Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department has been changed to make it easier to complete online.

This is the final Breastfeeding Friendly application to move to that format (workplaces and maternity centers already moved to the new format). Health departments can complete forms on the MDH website, instead of using multiple PDFs.

Those applying must fill out an intent to apply before getting access to the full online form.

The new format makes it easier to collect data and meets accessibility standards.

Links to the applications are on the Breastfeeding Friendly Health Departments web page.


Planning for Population Health calls return

Mark your calendars

The Planning for Population Health calls are returning.

The goal of these calls is to provide a platform for local public health to share information, advice and best practices with each other and with community planners about the roles public health can play in local community planning across Minnesota. The calls will also address the many areas where community planning intersects with healthy eating goals. 

Mark your calendars for the next call from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

In the November call, the agenda will include a debrief on the MN Planning Association Conference and the Minnesota Food Justice Summit.

To join the webinar, go to the Webex page.

Calendar

Webinar: Beyond the Physical: Mental and Social Benefits of Walkable Communities

Date: Nov. 20
Time: 1 p.m.

Walking and walkability are not only good for our bodies, but they’re also good for our minds and interpersonal relationships. Learn about the myriad of benefits of walking that extend beyond our physical health. This webinar is intended for those who are familiar with topics and issues related to walking and walkability.

Attendees of this webinar will be able to:

  • Explain how walking and walkability are associated with social connectedness and a positive sense of well-being.
  • Give examples of the mental and social benefits correlated with walking and walkability.
  • Discuss ways that walking advocates should be engaging with topics related to this work.

Learn more and register.