4:04 p.m., June 7, 2007--The Delaware Center for Health Promotion, a new initiative jointly sponsored by the University of Delaware and the office of Lt. Gov. John Carney, launched its first health awareness campaign on May 23 with “Be Healthy Delaware Day.” Residents throughout the state were encouraged to select one healthy habit that they normally don't practice, and “try it” on “Be Healthy Delaware Day.”

More than 800 Delawareans participated, vowing to adopt one (or more) of the following health-enhancing habits for the day:

• Engage in 30 minutes of physical activity;
• Eat smaller portions or split a restaurant entree;
• Consume more fruits and vegetables;
• Stop smoking; or
• Schedule a preventive health screening.

Random prizes were awarded to participants, including a 1-year family membership to the YMCA of Delaware.

“Behavior change can be challenging," Marianne Carter, director of the Delaware Center for Health Promotion, said. "The idea was to provide participants with the opportunity to simply try something for one day, in hopes that they will see it's not too difficult to continue.”

Carney, Wilmington Mayor James Baker and members of the Governor's Council on Lifestyle and Fitness celebrated “Be Healthy Delaware Day” with a noontime ceremony held in Rodney Square under sunny skies.

“Be Healthy Delaware Day is a great opportunity for people to form habits that will improve their long-term health,” Carney said. “Lifestyle changes start one day at a time, and events like this are important to motivate us and get us started down the right path.”

The “Be Healthy Delaware Day” celebration also honored the recipients of this year's Governor's Council on Lifestyle and Fitness awards. The winners included Alan Waterfield, a retired UD professor of health and exercise sciences, who was recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his outstanding contributions to health and fitness in the state.