by Emily Sears | March 20, 2013
In a recent Gallup wellness poll, Kentucky faired poorly, ranking in top ten states with the highest obesity ranking. According to the report (published March 6, 2013), Kentucky’s population was 29.7% obese, higher than the 26.2% national average. Scores were based on respondents’ self-reports of their height and weight, which are used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.
Oldham County residents, however, should be encouraged — in another poll which ranked Kentucky’s well-being among all 120 counties, Oldham placed first as the healthiest place to live in the Bluegrass State.
Contributing factors in the latter report included:
- mortality rate of residents under 75 years old
- high school graduation rates
- unemployment
- access to healthy food
This should come as no surprise to Brownsboro residents, having access to many avenues to healthy living. Fresh, local food is found abundantly in Oldham County. In Brownsboro alone, Foxhollow Farm raises grass-fed beef, and Hemmerhill Farm raises lamb. Multiple Community Supported Agriculture programs are available in Oldham County, including EpiCurious CSA in Brownsboro and Field 51 Produce in Goshen. La Grange hosts a top-notch farmer’s market from May through October each year. Micro-farming and beekeeping hobbyists are found working in backyards across Oldham County, providing families with their own produce and local honey.
Physical activity and exercise are no strangers to Oldham County. The Oldham County Family YMCA in Buckner and the newly-opened YMCA at Norton Commons on the Jefferson-Oldham County line provide Oldham County residents with convenient access to exercise and physical activity opportunities with indoor swimming pools and year-round recreation at both locations. Brownsboro Alliance also continues its initiative to develop a trail system throughout the rustic community, increasing options for outdoor activity in Brownsboro and surrounding neighborhoods. Outdoor enthusiasts also engage in beagling activities, equine events, and polo matches right here in Brownsboro.
Oldham County residents have the opportunity to know where their food comes from, and to engage in a wide variety of physical activities. Keep up the good, healthy work, Oldham County!
In the coming warmer months, stay tuned for more information on these activities and more as we cover healthy-living opportunities in Oldham County on this website.