New Ulm residents: YOU are what make Heart of New Ulm tick!

 

I had the distinct pleasure recently of meeting with Dr. Kevin Graham. Dr. Graham is a cardiologist who visited New Ulm regularly. He and Dick Pettingill, former CEO of Allina Health, are the two who started this project. Hearts Beat Back: The Heart of New Ulm Project was their brainchild. Without them, this would not exist.

 

A group of us sat down with Dr. Graham and told him about the progress the project has made so far and what is yet to come. Doing so made me realize just how far we have come in four short years. We have screened thousands of people and worked with dozens of worksites and restaurants. The convenience stores and grocery stores are working with us on some campaigns for healthy choices. There are people in the streets -- in a good way -- with walkers, runners and bikers everywhere. Hundreds of residents are participating in the phone coaching program. Our data shows us that people are eating more fruits and vegetables, while smoking rates are down.

 

National publications are doing stories on the project and New Ulm residents. Diabetic Living Magazine just came out with an eight-page story on The Heart of New Ulm in their latest edition. That publication has a circulation of half a million people. Soon, a reporter from EatingWell magazine will be in New Ulm conducting interviews for a story they plan to include about the project in one of their issues early in 2013.

 

While Dr. Graham and Dick Pettingill started the project, the primary reason for its success so far is the New Ulm residents. I am consistently impressed with all of you. You’ve taken ahold of this project and made it soar. YOU are what make us tick. The businesses, service groups, schools, restaurants and citizens who have embraced this project and are putting it on their shoulders and working with is the reason for continued success. You continue to tell us how your health has improved and how you are taking control of your heart health. It’s been so exciting to see and hear all of your stories!

 

I do think that Dr. Graham was impressed with our progress and for the future vision of The Heart of New Ulm Project. Keep up the good work, New Ulm!