The United Health Foundation recently ranked Louisiana as the “least healthy” state in the nation for 2006. In an effort to help the state improve its status in 2007, and to help Louisiana residents stay better informed about their own health, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) have re-launched the official Stay Healthy Louisiana Web site, www.stayhealthyla.org.

The site now serves as a central source for public health information in Louisiana, providing users with easy-to-understand tips and information in an interactive and feature-rich environment. The revamped Web site offers opinion polls, an “Ask the Expert” feature, the latest news from DHH and local health officials, an e-mail newsletter, and links to a variety of other health-related Web sites. The site also features a discussion forum in which Louisiana residents can share tips and information with one another or let their feelings be known about the latest health news and issues.

In addition, the new www.stayhealthyla.org site provides guidance and information on issues that are critical to Louisiana residents, such as disaster recovery and preparation, mental health, obesity, diabetes, asthma and more. Users will also be able to download audio and video features, as well as free copies of the Family Readiness Guide, produced by the Office of Public Health, and the Stay Healthy Louisiana Hurricane Recovery Guide, produced by DHH and the Louisiana Public Health Institute.

“The Web site is a unique, Louisiana-focused health information center that will help citizens stay up-to-date on critical health issues and allow them to communicate with Louisiana health experts, as well as each other,” said Dr. Fred Cerise, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary. “We believe this site will help empower Louisiana residents to take charge of their own health and, in turn, play an important role in improving the overall health of our state.”

To kick off the New Year, the www.stayhealthyla.org site will feature information about how to sign up for the “Lighten Up Louisiana” competition sponsored by DHH and Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, plus healthy Cajun recipes and tips on how to live a healthier life in 2007.

After Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, DHH and the LPHI partnered to launch the Stay Healthy Louisiana campaign as a way of providing Louisiana residents with easy access to critical public health information during the disaster’s aftermath. Thanks to funding support from the Centers for Disease Control Foundation’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund, the campaign continued throughout 2006, with a focus on delivering disaster recovery and preparation information. With the arrival of 2007, Stay Healthy Louisiana is expanding its mission to provide general public health information to Louisiana residents.

In addition to the www.stayhealthyla.org site, Stay Healthy Louisiana offers a staffed, toll-free telephone hotline at 1-888-LA-INFO-4U, or 1-888-524-6364. Health specialists take calls between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and provide information in English and Spanish. Operators have contact information for other hotlines and other important health-related phone numbers. During non-business hours, callers can retrieve recorded information on health issues.

Submitted by Rob Anderson. Filed under General Topics

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