Presented by Brainerd Integrated Health System &
Central Minnesota Community Foundation

Is your community built for people or cars? Do current designs make it convenient and safe to enjoy walking, biking and alternative transportation? This session will share best practices in community designs that encourage active lifestyles, which promote social connections and vibrant downtowns. Central Minnesota panelists will discuss the successes and challenges of regulatory and nonregulatory efforts, including low-cost strategies and amazing results from public advocacy groups.

Presented by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

Do employee health and wellness programs really pay off? This interactive session will introduce some of central Minnesota’s most cutting-edge and results-driven programs that prioritize employee health, reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and manage skyrocketing health insurance premiums. A Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota expert will answer questions and discuss the latest evidence and model programs.

Presented by CentraCare Health Foundation’s BLEND Project

This interactive session will profile the epidemic of childhood obesity in Minnesota and the U.S., as well as the cultural causes, consequences and local efforts to teach healthy lifestyles. Attendees will hear practical advice and results from parents, childcare providers and St. Cloud School District administrators, who boldly removed all soda and junk-food vending machines in 2007. Materials and tips will be supplied by CentraCare’s Better Living Exercise & Nutrition Daily (BLEND) project.

Presented by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

By 2030, one in five central Minnesotans will be 65 or older. The number of people over age 85 will triple. Are our communities ready for this unprecedented demographic change? Minnesotans are living longer, staying more active and giving back to their communities. But more seniors will also have profound impacts on healthcare, housing, business and transportation. Highlighting the efforts of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, this session will help you understand and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly aging population.

Presented by Happy Dancing Turtle

Okay, so you made a New Year’s resolution to eat healthier. Now what? In this whirlwind session, nutritionists will offer their no-hassle tips for healthy eating, shopping and cooking—dispelling myths and answering common questions about locally grown and organic foods. For business owners, panelists will share how restaurants, grocers, growers and communities have all profited from the local food revolution.