May has been recognized as National Bike Month since 1956.  The third week in May is designated Bike to Work Week and the third Friday of May is Bike to Work Day.  To promote this healthy, cycling celebration the Healthy Lompoc Coalition will be offering an incentive to those of you who wish to get back on your bikes.  So dust off your bike and participate in Bike to Work Day on May 21, 2010!

All individuals in Lompoc who ride their bike to work on May 21 will be entered into a drawing to win $50.  Businesses that have at least three staff members ride bikes to work will be entered to win $150.  Riders must submit their entry form via email or fax by 11:59pm that day.  Forms with all the specific details may be downloaded at www.healthylompoc.lvcho.org or requested via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

They are many great reasons for employers to promote bike to work programs.  Employers in the community benefit from a healthy, active workforce.  Bicyclists generally miss less work due to illness than people who drive cars.  Bicycle commuters arrive on time more often and they are more productive when they get to work.  Bike riding also relieves stress and promotes a positive attitude toward oneself and one’s environment.  All of these factors contribute to a healthy, pleasant and productive work place.

Biking to work is also a great way to squeeze regular exercise into a hectic schedule.  Studies show that 80% of people who switch from sedentary commuting to cycling significantly improve their cardiovascular health in just 6-8 weeks.  Cycling also helps to maintain a healthy weight.  For a 180 pound man, a 10 mile round trip bike commute burns 400 calories. For a 130-pound woman this same commute burns 300 calories.  So pump up your tires, put on your helmet and hit the road for National Bike Month and be sure to participate in Bike to Work Day on May 21^st!

The Lompoc Valley Community Health Summit held on March 25th was a big success.  It brought together people from many different sectors of the community and rallied them around the important topic of community health - specifically environmental and policy issues that impact health.

Keynote speaker Dr. James Sallis gave a wonderful presentation and many in attendance commented that his talk was both educational and motivational.

Pictured: Stephanie Teaford of Cal Poly's STRIDE, Keynote Speaker Dr. James Sallis and event organizer Judy Taggart of the Healthy Lompoc Coalition

A presentation of data from assessments performed in Lompoc was given by Judy Taggart.  The information provides a starting point for the community and the coalition to begin making improvements.  The presentation was also intended to recruit interested community members to get involved in the new working groups that will be formed to assist in the development and implementation of a strategic plan.  The strategic plan will include a wide range of projects aimed at improving environmental and policy issues affecting health in Lompoc.

The presentations are available to download from this website.

The event also included the presentation of the Barry J. Coughlin M.D. "Community Health Leadership Award" to Kathy Bertelsen, Food Service Manager for the Lompoc Unified School District.  Ms. Bertelsen has been a true leader in the community working to make the school district a healthier place through improvements to the food service department.  Additionally Kathy heads up the LUSD Wellness Committee where she has successfully steered the committee through the creation and implementation of the school wellness policy.

Pictured: Kathy Bertelsen, LUSD Food Service Manager and winner of of the Barry J. Coughlin "Community Health Leadership Award" and Dr. Sheldon Smith, Asst. Superintendent, LUSD.

Attachments:

File	Description
Summit Presentation - Keynote (03/25/10) - Dr. James Sallis
Summit Presentation - Assessments (03/25/10) - Judy Taggart