By Nikki Ciecierski
Image: Mount Nittany Conservancy
With abundant outdoor opportunities, strong healthcare infrastructure and collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and local businesses, Happy Valley is a prime example of a community that thrives on healthy lifestyles..
In the most recent County Health Rankings & Roadmaps report, Centre County ranked #2 among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. The CHR&R program provides data, evidence, guidance and examples to build awareness of the multiple factors that influence health and support leaders in growing community power to improve health equity.
Happy Valley ranks among the healthiest for health outcomes and health factors. This recognition comes as no surprise to local physicians who witness firsthand the community's emphasis on healthy living and its positive impact on the health and well-being of residents.
Ensuring potential employees know that Centre County offers the best healthcare and a fun, active lifestyle should attract potential employees. How often can you cheer at a game in one of the largest stadiums in the world, see a Broadway show and hike the Appalachians all within a 15-minute drive?
Dr. Christopher Hester, Clinical Officer, Mount Nittany Health/Internal Medicine, Mount Nittany Physician Group, and Dr. Kyle May, Family Medicine, Geisinger Bellefonte Clinic, shared their thoughts on this latest report.
As a physician in Centre County, how have you seen the community's emphasis on healthy living positively impact your patients?
“Centre County residents have lower rates of unemployment, better access to care, lower rates of morbidity and mortality due to chronic conditions, higher life expectancy and better health outcomes for vulnerable populations, including mothers, youth, and seniors,” Dr. Hester said.
“I have been impressed with the health and fitness programs available at the local YMCA and the number of gyms in the area allowing patients to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. May said, pointing to community organizations like the YMCA, Centred Outdoors, Centre Volunteers in Medicine, The Tides Program and Jana Marie Foundation that positively impact lives of local residents.
Dr. Christopher Hester, Clinical Officer, Mount Nittany Health/Internal Medicine
Mount Nittany Physician Group
In what ways have local businesses in Centre County collaborated with healthcare providers to promote healthy habits and preventative care?
Dr. Hester said that Mount Nittany Health collaborates with dozens of businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the year on many worthwhile causes. “A few examples that involve area businesses would be the State College Spikes Paint the Park Pink sponsorship, Philipsburg Heritage Days, the Central Pennsylvania Arts Fest Walk/Run, First Night Resolution Run sponsorships and Bellefonte Children’s Fair,” he shared.
How can businesses in Centre County leverage the community's reputation for healthy living and livability to attract and retain employees and customers?
“Ensuring potential employees know that Centre County offers the best healthcare and a fun, active lifestyle should attract potential employees,” Dr. May explained. “How often can you cheer at a game in one of the largest stadiums in the world, see a Broadway show and hike the Appalachians all within a 15-minute drive?”
In addition to many other factors, health care is incredibly important to people when deciding to move to a location. “Last year, a retired couple told our President and CEO Kathleen Rhine they had made a list of five potential places to live. All of them had an array of activities, good housing options and most had better weather than State College,” Dr. Hester said. “But they chose State College because they wanted access to the excellent care available at Mount Nittany Health.”
With the amount of community involvement, I expect growth in the number of programs focused on healthy living. Whether it be organized hikes at local parks, growing vegetables at community gardens or volunteer days in the community, all will continue to encourage healthy lifestyles of community residents.
“Businesses can leverage Mount Nittany Health as a valuable community asset to attract employees,” Dr. Hester continued. “Plus, by promoting health-focused initiatives, collaborating with local health providers, promoting outdoor activities, offering healthy food options and supporting community health initiatives, businesses can help ensure employees and consumers understand the wide range of resources available to Centre County residents to improve their health and well-being.”
Dr. Kyle May, Family Medicine, Geisinger Bellefonte Clinic
As a healthcare provider, how have you seen Centre County’s natural environment and outdoor recreation opportunities positively impact residents' and visitors' mental and physical health?
According to the CDC, spending time outdoors can improve overall health and wellness. Time outdoors offers physical and mental health benefits as well as stress reduction. “There are many great natural spaces surrounding us to walk, hike, cycle and just be active,” Dr. Hester said. “Whether it’s time spent alone or with family and friends, being active outdoors is a great way to improve your physical and mental health.”
“That’s one of the reasons why Mount Nittany Health has partnered with ClearWater Conservancy again this year for the Centred Outdoors program, which offers guided group outings,” he shared. “The program is free and open to all levels of physical fitness. It’s a great way to explore areas such as Colyer Lake, Poe Paddy State Park and various locations in Rothrock State Forest while exercising.”
How do you envision Centre County’s emphasis on healthy living and livability continuing to evolve in the coming years, and how can local businesses support these efforts?
“With the amount of community involvement, I expect growth in the number of programs focused on healthy living,” Dr. May said. “Whether it be organized hikes at local parks, growing vegetables at community gardens or volunteer days in the community, all will continue to encourage healthy lifestyles of community residents. This, paired with the excellent care provided by Geisinger and others, will allow Centre County to remain at the top of the healthy county rankings.”
The county's natural environment, abundance of outdoor opportunities, collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and businesses and a strong healthcare infrastructure have all contributed to this success. As the county continues to prioritize healthy living and address emerging health needs, local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting these efforts, attracting employees and contributing to the community’s overall well-being.
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