De Soto’s Complete Streets Policy
Get Healthy DeSoto, in collaboration with Trailnet and the City of De Soto, helped to develop a Complete Streets ordinance for the City of De Soto. Complete Streets is an innovative solution to the obesity epidemic, a problem our community is taking a stand against at the policy level. The policy also supports increased independence of the aging population and safe routes for children walking or biking. The policy adopted states that the City of De Soto will design, build and maintain streets in a manner that accommodates safe and contiguous travel for all users- seniors, persons with disabilities, children, pedestrians, cyclists and cars. This is another commitment that Get Healthy DeSoto and the City of De Soto have made to build a healthier community.
Phil Valko, former Trailnet Active living Program Manager says “Complete Streets promotes more walkers and bikers, therefore healthier individuals; more walkers and bikers means more neighbor-to-neighbor interaction which results in stronger communities; and less driving means less pollution which results in a healthier environment.”
De Soto was the second community in the State of Missouri to adopt a Complete Streets Policy, second only to Columbia, MO.
Click here to see copy of the Complete Streets Ordinance for De Soto, MO.
Heart Healthy Foods Initiative
Get Healthy DeSoto (GHD) partnered with the Jefferson County Health Department to help identify heart healthy menu items at local restaurants for the people of Jefferson County. Restaurants that participate in this collaboration identify heart healthy menu items with a little red heart or by stating that the food item has been approved by Get Healthy DeSoto. The dietitian from the Jefferson County Health Department, analyzed each restaurant’s menu recipes to identify which food items would qualify on the Heart Healthy Food list.
The criteria that was used for selection of menu items is listed below. Each heart healthy menu item must meet at least three of these requirements:
750 Calories
26g Total Fat
5.5g Saturated Fat
0.9g Tans Fat
111mg Cholesterol
1000mg Sodium
10g Fiber
The FDA uses 2000 calories per day as a reference level for nutrition labeling. GHD suggests the upper limit of calories for one meal is 750 (37% of your total calories for a day). GHD is using 37% because usually a restaurant meal is the largest of the day.
The heart healthy menu items indicated on restaurant menus are determined to be the best choices for a majority of people trying to improve their health.
It is important to note that nutritional needs are different for everyone and it is each person’s responsibility to choose foods that meet individual personal needs. Please consult your health care provider or dietitian for what is best for you.
If you have questions about the criteria used for identifying heart healthy menu items, please contact the Jefferson County Healthy Department 636-789-3372 ext. 113.
If you are interested in becoming a GHD restaurant partner, please call 636-586-4570.
We are fortunate to have wonderful local restaurants which serve a variety of excellent foods in a safe and pleasant environment. Enjoy visiting these establishments, sampling their offerings and supporting our local economy. We suggest that when you plan to eat out, think about what foods you’ll choose over the whole day. Plan a light lunch, don’t skip meals which may cause you to overindulge later and most importantly, don’t show up at a restaurant famished! Remember restaurants are in the business of serving customers, don’t be afraid to ask for items prepared the way you want them.