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Prevention
The goal of prevention is to eliminate root cause or diminish the
impact of factors that contribute to potential disease, injury or disability.
The Foundation invests in health initiatives that help people make responsible
choices, maintain good health status, prevent illness and disability, as well
as effectively manage existing health conditions.
Prevention of lead poisoning in children in the City of Rochester
Childhood lead poisoning prevention is an environmental factor
that can permanently damage the central nervous system. The long-lasting
effects include cognitive, physical and behavioral development and create a
permanent impact on the child, family, and community. The presence of lead
poisoning is strongly related to a child’s future productivity and earnings,
and the major cause of lead poisoning is lead-based paint. Communities with
high proportions of pre-1950 housing and low-income populations face the
highest rate of childhood lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can be prevented, and
therefore GRHF has funded several initiatives to reduce the threat of childhood
lead poisoning in Monroe County.
Promotion of healthy weight in children ages 2-10 in Monroe County
Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are two of the leading
underlying causes of preventable deaths in the United States, and are the root
causes of obesity. In Monroe County close to one in every three children is at
an unhealthy weight. In 2007, GRHF implemented a strategic plan to increase the
number of children ages 2-10 in Monroe County at a healthy weight to 85%.
Included in this strategy are grants to increase physical activity and to improve
nutrition by engaging child care providers, schools, community-based
organizations, and the clinical community, and advocating for changes in policy
and practices.
Within this initiative
there are several projects of one to three years and multiple short-term
projects.
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