LiveWell Louisiana

Public Health Leaders Set to Tackle Obesity Epidemic Through Statewide Health Intiative

Today, public health leaders and business leaders unveiled a new statewide public health initiative — LiveWell Louisiana.
November 25th, 2013 by: Malana Spears

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
September 26, 2013
 
Media Contact:
Malana M. Joseph
(504) 559-0823
[email protected]

PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS SET TO TACKLE OBESITY EPIDEMIC THROUGH STATEWIDE HEALTH INITIATIVE
Winn-Dixie, Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA and 
Local Hospitals Lead Project 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, public health leaders and business leaders unveiled a new statewide public health initiative — LiveWell Louisiana.  
Winn-Dixie Regional Vice President Karena Niblett, Children’s Hospital Vice President Brian Landry, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Diversity Programs and Business Development Director Rod Teamer joined LiveWell Louisiana Founder Maria Muro, Childhood Family and Learning Foundation Founder Phyllis Landrieu and New Orleans Health Department Deputy Director Charlotte Parent to formally unveil the initiative to the community. 
LiveWell Louisiana initiatives include:

  • Supportive online communities
  • Calorie and fitness trackers
  • Interactive menu planning
  • Customized grocery lists
  • Food and nutrition information
  • Health screenings
  • Wellness and disease education

“I believe all people have the power within to make positive changes in their lives, but it takes time, dedication and the will to want to lead a healthier life,” said LiveWell Louisiana founder Maria Muro. “Our mission is to empower people to take control of their lives by taking control of their health.”

LiveWell Louisiana is an online community of citizens, doctors, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and government agencies working together to get Louisiana’s health back on track. The program is the first inclusive health initiative in the state to bring together so many different organizations for one goal: to empower more Louisianans to make healthier choices through education, support and encouragement.    
“It’s a culture of change to help people get healthy together,” said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Diversity Programs and Business Development Director Rod Teamer. “BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana is proud to support healthy initiatives like LiveWell Louisiana. It’s important that all residents lead healthier lives.”
LiveWell Louisiana has partnered with the majority of Greater New Orleans hospitals, including Touro Infirmary, Children’s Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, West Jefferson Medical Center, LSU Health Network, St. Tammany Parish Hospital, and Slidell Memorial Hospital. External partners also include Winn-Dixie, Tulane School of Medicine, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, as well as other local and national organizations.


“Winn-Dixie has been a part of the community since 1956, and we have always strived to provide fresh, local products to our customers,” said Winn-Dixie Regional Vice President Karena Niblett. “Winn-Dixie has a vested interest in making our community a better place to live, work and play. Our role with LiveWell Louisiana allows our associates and pharmacists to better provide tools and resources to our community in partnership with our neighborhood health care providers. We are proud to be a part of an incredible group of organizations focusing on making Louisiana healthier and stronger."
Winn-Dixie will include LiveWell Louisiana displays in their Louisiana stores beginning October 1st, 2013. Customers will also be able to pick up various rack cards that provide health tips and healthy recipes.
“Louisiana is 49th of the 50 states in terms of overall health. More than 33% of our citizens are obese, and more than 25% are smokers,” added Muro. “Through the LiveWell Louisiana initiative, we will heal as a state.”


For a complete list of partners, to sign up or learn about ways to get involved in LiveWell Louisiana, please visit www.livewelllouisiana.com.


Join LiveWell Louisiana, and meet other Louisianans who are taking charge of their health. Track your progress. Share success stories and workouts. Learn how and what to eat. Connect with a community that wants to help you live well!