ROCKWALL, TX (May 19, 2014) Rockwall County was recently rated number six in Health Outcomes among the 232 counties throughout the state of Texas that were rated.
The study was conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and results were released in early 2014. The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program based ratings on vital health factors, including such things as the quality of air and water, access to healthy foods, levels of obesity, rates of smoking, and education and economic factors.
Rockwall County Judge Jerry Hogan, who has been following this study closely, is very pleased with Rockwall County’s ranking. “We all knew we were living in a great place, and our judgment just continues to be reconfirmed as more and more quantitate indicators such as this are published. We do live in a great place in Rockwall County, Texas,” he said.
The City of Rockwall is a top city in providing health and fitness opportunities to its citizens. Annual events such as the U.S. Open Triathlon and the Gladiator Rock’n Run, both held at Lake Ray Hubbard, establish a healthy culture in Rockwall. With groups such as the Rockwall Running Club laying a foundation for fitness, over 8,000 residents participated in running events held in Rockwall last year, driving the Road Runners Club of America to designate Rockwall as a Runner Friendly Community in 2014.
According to RRC member Rhonda Mishler, Coach Barrett Hopper keeps the Rockwall Running Club “motivated and on the move,” organizing events such as the Patriot Half Marathon and the 5K Race for Nate held annually on Memorial Day in Rockwall.
Mishler went on to say, “I can tell you that being a part of this club has enhanced my motivation to get healthy and stronger. The club has a huge membership and is comprised of a vast array of people from all walks of life. Whether you are a new runner, or a well-seasoned ‘elite’ runner, the club has a program to meet your needs. There are runners of every pace, so there is always someone there to pair up with when you come out at 5 a.m. to run the streets of Rockwall, or the track at Williams Stadium. There are also evening coordinated runs. We are blessed with a fantastic group of people who are always willing to mentor, to challenge and to help everyone meet their goals. Our motto is ‘No runner left behind.’ This group goes beyond the running part of gathering; we have developed treasured friendships and are there to help each other outside of just the running aspect.”
Clubs and events are not the only factors that make Rockwall County Healthy. The city of Rockwall has numerous parks, walking trails, swimming pools and sports facilities to draw its residents. Even many of the city’s businesses have joined the ranks by adding health initiatives and opportunities for their employees. The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation encourages businesses and citizens to use its sidewalk loop in the Rockwall Technology Park for walking and jogging, and opens it up as a venue for annual Rockwall Cycling Event.
“Corporate walking groups have become very popular among the businesses in the Rockwall Technology Park,” said Sheri Franza, President & CEO of the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation. “Every day, many business employees and Rockwall residents walk the Park, building friendships and collaborating on business opportunities. When individuals feel physically, socially and emotionally fit, they make greater contributions to their company and community.”
Other companies have built on that lead, as well. L-3 Communications ComCept has the Choose Good Health Program, which offers incentives to their employees to have health assessments and physical exams done regularly and also offers free services such as flu shots and preventative screenings. L-3 provides health and nutrition literature to its employees, a Wellness Fair and Fitness Programs at local gyms. Whitmore Manufacturing recently added a fitness room to their new building, which offers treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical machines and a universal system. Special Products & Manufacturing (SPM) offers the Wellness Challenge to their employees, educating their associates on their health coverage plan and taking advantage of preventive care. The Wellness Challenge consists of four steps, all geared toward healthy outcomes, and provides monetary incentives for meeting the challenge. SPM also offers free flu shots and reduced costs for memberships at 24 Hour Fitness.
The County Health Rankings study concluded that the opportunities provided by a community greatly affects the overall health of its citizens. As Rockwall continues to grow and advance, health is not being left behind but encouraged and nourished among its population, making Rockwall among the most elite of cities to live in.
Submitted by Suzie Bell, Rockwall EDC, Media & Events Manager.
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