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    4May, 2021
    Pitt Eats: Healthy Eating on Campus!

    At the beginning of 2021 five new Pitt Eats dining locations on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus became the newest Live Well Allegheny Restaurants. They are The Eatery, Schenley Café, Petersen Events Center- Shake Smart, Petersen Events Center- Steel City Subs and the Cathedral of Learning. We interviewed Pitt Eats’ Sustainability Director Lisia de Lima Spellman to learn more about how they use food to encourage health, wellness, and sustainability on campus.

    What is the background/history of Pitt Eats’ sustainability initiatives?

    We believe serving healthy and nutritious food provides a foundation for lifelong learning. We are proud to feed future leaders and understand the immense responsibility to nourish our guests’ minds and bodies. We believe that wellness goes beyond our dining halls. To support a well-balanced healthy lifestyle, we create programs that help our guests live life to its fullest. From sourcing our ingredients to preparing our menus, we keep health and wellness at the forefront of everything we do.

    How does Pitt Eats’ commitment to sustainability assist the efforts of Live Well Allegheny?

    Pitt Eats’ commitment to sustainability embraces the system as whole, including the environment and the people. Providing healthy and nutritious food to our guests is how we assist the efforts of Live Well Allegheny.

    What do you consider the greatest success to come from Pitt Eats’ sustainability efforts so far?

    We consider each sustainability initiative a great success and each one of them will create an impact in the environment and in the community. Reducing waste, increasing the amount of sustainable food purchasing, reducing GHG emissions, having more local foods in our portfolio, donating food, and donating 5% of a purchase back to the Pitt Pantry are examples of the sustainable initiatives we drive.

    What are your plans moving forward?

    • Expanding the Real Food Challenge across campus to serve 25% Real Food by 2025.
    • Serve 50% of to-go meals and beverages in reusable containers by 2025.
    • Serve meals that put plants at the center of the plate by decreasing the amount of animal-derived products sold by 25% by 2025.
    • Expand food waste composting 50% by 2025.
    • Reduce landfill waste by 25% by 2030 from 2017 levels.

    To learn more about the Pitt Eats dining locations, or other Live Well Allegheny Restaurants visit the Live Well Allegheny Restaurants page.

    4Jun, 2019
    Two Communities, One Workplace and One Restaurant Earn Live Well Allegheny Status

    June 4, 2019

    PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Health Department announced the addition of two communities, Richland Township and the Edgeworth Borough, one workplace, Pashek+MTR, and one restaurant, Arnold’s Coffee & Tea, as the four newest members of the Live Well Allegheny campaign. Now participating are 66 communities, 50 restaurants, 32 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

    “We are delighted to see municipalities, restaurants, workplaces and school districts continue to make commitments to the Live Well Allegheny campaign five years after its launch,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “To me, it reinforces the fact that the campaign continues to gain traction and that more and more people in our community are focused on making this a healthier county. Congratulations to our newest participants, and if you’re not already part of the campaign, please consider joining us.”

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

    “We are very pleased to report that more than half of the 130 municipalities in Allegheny County are now making health a top priority for their residents,” said Dr. Hacker. “We urge all municipalities, restaurants, workplaces, school districts and community partners that have not yet earned the Live Well designation to apply today. Making Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation will require that all residents have opportunities for healthy living – that’s what Live Well Allegheny is all about.”

    Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:

    Live Well Allegheny Communities

    Richland Township will develop walking maps and encourage multi-modal transportation through facilities and policies that promote walking and bike riding. The township will also promote and support farmers’ markets, promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters, and utilize websites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

    Edgeworth Borough will advertise and share information regarding local farmers’ markets and wellness campaign events and incorporate health and wellness-related information into regular borough communications, such as social media and the quarterly newsletter. The borough will also encourage involvement with community volunteer activities, encourage smoke free buildings and perimeters, and continue to hold quarterly meetings with employees to discuss health, safety, and wellness in the workplace.

    “As a nurse I wholeheartedly support initiatives that encourage residents to make healthy choices and improve their own wellness,” said County Council Member Cindy Kirk, representing District 2. “I couldn’t be happier to learn that two additional communities in my district have joined Live Well Allegheny, and I look forward to seeing the results of their work.”

    Live Well Allegheny Workplace

    Pashek+MTR will provide its staff with bicycles and access to secure bicycle storage, space for a workplace garden that employees can build and maintain, and easy-to-access information about local programs and opportunities for physical fitness, community health related events, and farmers markets. The organization will also support stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours and meetings and will offer employees flex hours to allow for physical or wellness activity. In addition, it will establish and communicate a tobacco-free workplace policy that includes cessation resources for employees.

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    Arnold’s Coffee & Tea will offer half portions on select menu items, vegetarian or vegan fare options, low-calorie salad dressings and healthy side dishes. It will also eliminate trans-fat oils in cooking, be smoke-free, and promote healthier beverage options. Arnold’s Coffee & Tea’s Chef Claudy started the EAT Initiative, a non-profit organization, which has also joined Live Well Allegheny as a community partner. Its vision is to help feed and sustain food insecure communities by hosting hands-on cooking demonstrations and career development via hospitality training focused in food vulnerable families.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    9May, 2019
    Health Department Announces the Addition of Three Live Well Allegheny Partners

    May 9, 2019

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that the municipality of Bethel Park has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign as both a community and school district, and the Perch at Pitt has joined the effort as the newest Live Well restaurant. Now participating are 64 communities, 49 restaurants, 31 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

    “We have always been most successful in this region when we work together, and striving for a healthier county is no exception,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “It will take all of us, collaboratively, to have an impact and we are grateful to the elected officials in Bethel Park, the administrators at the Bethel Park School District, and the management of Perch at Pitt in committing to helping us meet those goals.”

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

    “It’s great to see another three entities make the choice to improve the health and well-being of its community members, students and patrons,” said Dr. Hacker. “We look forward to working with these groups as we strive to make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation. If you haven’t already applied to join the Live Well effort, we encourage you to do so today.”

    Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:

    Live Well Allegheny Community & School District

    The Municipality of Bethel Park will promote and support farmers markets, develop walking maps and accessible outdoor wellness trails and encourage involvement with community volunteer activities. The municipality will also provide health information focused on monthly or seasonal events and utilize websites and social media to promote physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation and other health and wellness related initiatives. The community also announced the creation of the Live Well Allegheny Bethel Park Speaker’s series that is a health education program that will take place at the community center each month.

    The Bethel Park School District has committed to improve the wellness of students, faculty, staff, parents and families through a coordinated effort with their Wellness Committee and Curriculum Department to promote proper nutrition, exercise and fitness activities, well-being, and education. Activities include running clubs for elementary school students, an activity club before the school day begins and yoga sessions in schools.

    “I am very pleased that Bethel Park, both as a community and school district, has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Sue Means, the County Council Member representing District 5. “Eating right and exercising is the formula for happy healthy residents.”

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    The Perch at Pitt has will eliminate trans-fat oils in their cooking and offer low calorie options, half portions, and vegetarian/vegan fare on its menu. The restaurant will also offer whole grains as an alternate to white rice, whole grain bread as an alternate to white bread, and low-fat milk (1% or skim) as an alternate to cream for hot beverages. The Perch will provide calorie counts and other nutritional information for customers.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    29Jan, 2019
    Four New Live Well Allegheny Partners Announced

    January 29, 2019

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced the addition of the Municipality of Penn Hills, Avonworth School District, Grounded Strategies and the Azorean Café as the four newest partners in the Live Well Allegheny campaign.

    “When this campaign was announced five years ago, we hoped to see it catch on and to have more and more organizations, agencies and workplaces embrace its goals,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Today’s numbers include 62 municipalities, 48 restaurants, 28 workplaces and 16 school districts. We are grateful for all of our partners and look forward to continuing to grow the campaign on our way to making Allegheny County the healthiest county in the country.”

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and Dr. Hacker.

    “We are very pleased to announce that four additional partners have committed to making health a priority in Allegheny County,” said ACHD Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “Almost half of our municipalities have joined the cause, but there is room for all. We encourage your community to join the Live Well effort if they haven’t already done so.”

    Following is more information about the latest group of Live Well Allegheny partners:

    Live Well Allegheny Community

    The Municipality of Penn Hills will develop indoor and outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities, encourage walking and bike riding in the community, and implement events that encourage active living. Penn Hills will also promote smoke-free buildings, encourage physical recreation programs in the community, and utilize web sites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

    “I congratulate Penn Hills on their designation as the newest Live Well Allegheny community, and I appreciate their leadership in taking action to improve the health and wellness of residents,” said Council Vice President Nick Futules, who is the County Council Member representing District 7 in which Penn Hills is located.

    Live Well Allegheny School District

    The Avonworth School District will by offer unlimited fruit or vegetables at all meals, and will support local farmers as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) a pick-up site. The school district will also encourage physical activity among students by hosting a 5k run in the spring and offer exercise opportunities after school. Additionally, Avonworth will offer health and physical education classes and social skills education through counseling programs.

    “We are thrilled that the Avonworth School District will officially become a part of this important healthy movement, and we applaud the efforts of Superintendent Ralston and the entire team at Avonworth for these proactive and important efforts,” said Tom Baker, District 1 County Council Member which includes the Avonworth School District.

    Live Well Allegheny Workplace

    Grounded Strategies will promote physical activity among employees by providing access to an area for exercise classes and physical activity on-site and will offer employees flexible work hours in exchange for physical or wellness activity before, during, and after work. The workplace will remind employees of importance of regular check-ups and health screenings and will also provide easy-to-access information about local programs and opportunities for physical fitness, community health related events, and farmers markets. In addition, organizational leaders will institute a healthy food policy, alongside a policy that supports breast feeding employees.

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    The Azorean Cafe will provide vegetarian fare and half portions on select menu items, healthy side dishes and beverage options, and low-calorie salad dressings. The restaurant will also eliminate trans-fat oils and use plant-based oils in their cooking. The café is also smoke-free and provides a location to store bicycles.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    Workplace
    28Nov, 2018
    Five Additional Live Well Allegheny Partners Announced!

    November 28, 2018

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced another five partners have joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign. Additional partners include three workplaces, Giant Eagle, Auberle, and Focus on Renewal, one school district, the Cornell School District, and one restaurant, Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar.

    “It’s very encouraging to see more partners continuing to commit to improving the health of their employees, students and patrons, and we welcome these five additional members to the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Health Department Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “Now participating in the campaign are 61 communities, 47 restaurants, 27 workplaces and 15 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County. To make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation, it takes a group effort, so we encourage you to apply to earn the Live Well designation if you haven’t already done so.”

    Following is more information on the newest members:

    Live Well Allegheny Workplaces

    Through a variety of initiatives, Giant Eagle is promoting physical activity and nutrition for its employees across its offices, retail support centers and area stores. The company’s efforts range from ongoing wellness challenges that provide incentives for achieving specific wellness goals to health counseling focused on physical activity, smoking cessation and weight management.

    Focus on Renewal has committed to provide access to an on-site fitness area, standing desks for employees and a space for a workplace garden. Not only will Focus on Renewal organize fitness classes on site, they will offer employee opportunities for physical/wellness activity before, during, and after work.

    In addition to Auberle‘s annual Employee Wellness Program, the workplace has committed to provide healthy options in the cafeteria, in vending machines, and in meetings. Auberle will promote physical activity by organizing fitness classes on site, offer a discount to health-clubs and fitness membership, and encourage employees to participate in athletic activities. Auberle also provides paid time off for employees to have preventive care and cancer screenings and has created an Employee Wellness Committee.

    Live Well Allegheny School District

    The Cornell School District will improve the health of their students with a commitment to a comprehensive healthy school’s program. Cornell will offer fresh fruit and vegetables at all meals, promote water drinking, and provide 2% milk and chocolate milk instead of whole milk. The district will also utilize websites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar will promote healthy choices by providing smaller-sized sugar-sweetened beverage options, low calorie salad dressing, and vegetarian fare and healthy side dishes. In addition, Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar will eliminate trans-fat oils and use plant-based oils for cooking instead.

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and Dr. Hacker.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    Released over the summer, the 2018 Community Impact Report: Creating Health in Every Space details how Live Well Allegheny works with partners to create opportunities for health in every space—where Allegheny County residents live, learn, work, and eat.

    Workplace
    12Oct, 2018
    ACHD Announces Seven New Live Well Allegheny Designations

    July 23, 2018

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that five additional workplaces – Raion Zou Holistic Healing, Donnelly-Boland and Associates, Human Services Administration Organization, the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, and Go Ape Tree Top Adventure – and two additional restaurants – Salvatore’s Pizza House and the Lions Den Cafe and Deli – have been designated as part of the Live Well Allegheny campaign.

    “We are very excited to welcome another seven partners to our Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Health Department Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “Now, a total of 59 communities, 46 restaurants, 23 workplaces and 14 school districts are making health a priority in Allegheny County, and there is room for many more. Earning the Live Well designation is easy, and we encourage you to apply today if you haven’t already done so.”

    Live Well Allegheny Workplaces

    • Through a variety of initiatives, Raion Zou Holistic Healing is encouraging physical activity and nutrition among its employees. In addition to hosting a weekly walking group, the workplace will support stretching and physical activity breaks, organize fitness classes, and provide access to outdoor trails and an on-site area for exercise. Additionally, Raion Zou Holistic Healing will provide its employees with healthy food options, a private breastfeeding area, and standing or walking desks.
    • Donnelly-Boland and Associates will be establishing a tobacco-free workplace policy that includes tobacco cessation resources for employees. In addition, it will provide a private breastfeeding area, and will give its employees access to an on-site fitness area. Donnelly-Boland and Associates also promises to offer health screenings for BMI, obesity, cancer, blood pressure, and numerous other biometrics, and will remind its employees about the importance of regular checkups.
    • Providing access to an on-site fitness area, ensuring that employees have access to comprehensive health insurance, and developing a policy that supports breastfeeding employees are some of the initiatives Human Services Administration Organization (HSAO) is putting in place. Furthermore, HSAO promises to support stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours, and to make health and wellness educational resources available to all employees.
    • The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers has promised to ensure well-lit, safe stairwells, to provide access to a water fountain, water dispenser, or water cooler, and to provide access to an on-site fitness area. It has also committed to allowing paid time off for preventive cancer screenings, to ensuring that employees have access to comprehensive health insurance, and to making health and wellness educational resources and activities available to all employees.
    • Having a space for a workplace garden that employees can build and maintain, negotiating health-club discounts or subsidized membership at local fitness centers, and making health and wellness educational resources available to employees is the vision set by Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. It will also support stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours, and to locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths and trails.

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurants

    • Salvatore’s Pizza House will be promoting healthier beverage options, and will offer smaller portions of sugar-sweetened beverages. It has also promised to provide healthy side dishes in lieu of higher fat, sugar, or salt options, and to eliminate trans-fat oils in its cooking.
    • Eliminating trans-fat oils in its cooking, being smoke-free, and offering low-calorie options have been promised by the Lions Den Cafe and Deli. It has also committed to offer vegetarian/vegan fare options and to provide healthy side dishes, including fruits and vegetables.

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and Dr. Hacker.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participating workplaces can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    14Jun, 2018
    Health Department Announces Five New Live Well Allegheny Designations

    June 14, 2018

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced five new members to the Live Well Allegheny campaign, including one community, two restaurants and two workplaces. Now participating in the campaign are 59 communities, 44 restaurants, 18 workplaces and 14 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

    “When this program was first introduced, we hoped that it would quickly gather steam and that we would see more and more organizations involved in these efforts,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “I’m thrilled to see that there are five more entities that are partnering with us to improve the health of our community and am grateful for this shared vision.”

    Live Well Allegheny Community

    The Borough of Aspinwall has resolved to promote and encourage involvement with community volunteer activities, including the utilization of web sites and social medial to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

    “I’m very pleased that an additional community in my district, the borough of Aspinwall, has earned the Live Well Allegheny status,” said Anita Prizio, the County Council Member representing District 3. “I look forward to seeing the borough implement its plans and how the community members respond to these great initiatives.”

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurants

    Eggs N’at Diner will offer vegetarian fare options, healthy side dishes, and half portions on select menu items. They have also resolved to use plant based oils for cooking and baking.

    Parkhurst Dining on the campus of Chatham University will provide low-calorie salad dressings and healthy side dishes, and will use plant based oils for cooking and baking. Additionally, they will offer vegetarian and vegan fare options, brown rice and other whole grains, and low-fat milk as an alternate to cream for hot beverages.

    Live Well Allegheny Workplaces

    Vanadium Woods Village will provide healthy cafeteria and vending options, a private area for employees to breastfeed, and access to water fountains, water dispensers, and water coolers. Vanadium Woods Village will also ensure well-lit, safe stairwells, and access to an on-site space for physical activity. In addition, the workplace will locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths and trails for its employees, provide access to a secure bicycle storage area, provide standing/walking desks, and provide a space for a workplace garden that employees can build and maintain.

    Heritage Valley Health System (Sewickley) will provide healthy options in the cafeteria, vending machines, and during work meetings, and will issue health and wellness educational resources to employees. To encourage physical activity, Heritage Valley will promote weight-loss competitions or events, provide access to an on-site area for physical activity, and locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths. Additionally, Heritage Valley will promote tobacco cessation through support groups, resources, and services, and will highlight success stories of employees who have successfully quit smoking, lost weight, or achieved personal health goals.

    “It’s exciting to welcome five more members to the Live Well family,” said ACHD Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “This new group is committed to making health a top priority and will implement great plans for its citizens, employees and patrons. If you haven’t yet earned the Live Well Allegheny designation, we urge you to apply now.”

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and Dr. Hacker.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participating workplaces can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    28Feb, 2018
    UPMC Hospitals Celebrate National Nutrition Month All Year with Wellness Initiatives!

    For many Pittsburgers, the beginning of March signals one thing: the end of winter. In March, the first signs of spring pop up throughout our communities. Springtime is the perfect time to focus on your health and wellness. Cabin fever and warmer weather make a persuasive argument for getting outside to take a walk or ride a bike. Another way to focus on health this month is by celebrating National Nutrition Month. Each March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics uses National Nutrition Month to remind people of the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy habits. Maintaining a healthy diet combats the risk of chronic diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.

    One of the largest employers in Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) celebrates National Nutrition Month year-round through their wellness initiatives. Live Well Allegheny Restaurants, which includes the Cafeteria at Magee-Womens Hospital, the Food and Nutrition Department at UPMC Mercy, and the Food and Nutrition Department at UPMC Presbyterian, are taking health and wellness to the next level. For the three restaurants, joining Live Well Allegheny was a jumping off point for a myriad of wellness initiatives that work towards improving health of employees and hospital visitors.

    The health and wellness initiatives at the Cafeteria at Magee-Womens Hospital are not only focused on providing more nutritious options to employees and visitors, but are also using nutrition as a tool for fighting cancer and other chronic diseases. Chefs and dieticians have joined forces to provide employees and visitors with nutrition education that is proven to prevent and treat chronic diseases. One example is the hospital’s oncology cooking demonstrations. Once a month, chefs and dieticians emphasize the benefits of plant-based diet on preventing and treating cancer. The oncology cooking demos provide nutrition education, skills-based information, and taste-testing of plant-based meals. In addition to receiving nutrition education and resources, employees and visitors are also educated on the cooking skills that are necessary for at-home meal preparation, making the demos accessible for all people.

    The hospital also emphasizes national health observances by promoting disease-fighting nutrition aimed at specific chronic illnesses. For instance, in February, the Cafeteria at Magee-Womens Hospital celebrated American Heart Month to raise awareness about prevention of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases. The heart health theme was emphasized during a coffee and dark chocolate pairing on February 14th that educated employees and visitors on the benefits of dark chocolate in maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle.

    The Food and Nutrition Department at UPMC Mercy is also taking steps towards improving health and wellness in our communities. At UPMC Mercy, the Food and Nutrition Department works to improve the health of employees and visitors with healthy food options, health coaches, and cooking demonstrations. The chefs provide nutritious foods with dining smart items, a nutritious entrée paired with vegetables and a starch, as well as a new salad bar. Additionally, health coaches are available outside of the cafeteria for employees and visitors to consult about a variety of wellness topics, such as nutrition education, stress management, and physical activity.

    The Food and Nutrition Department at UPMC Mercy also hosts cooking demonstrations to provide employees and visitors with nutrition and skills-based education. Like the Cafeteria at Magee-Womens Hospital, the Food and Nutrition Department at UPMC Mercy emphasized American Heart Month during their February cooking demonstration. Held at the UPMC Greentree Outpatient Cardiac Center on February 12th, the chefs and dietician emphasized the importance of incorporating whole grains in your diet to maintain heart health during the demonstration. The dietician broke down myths about carbohydrates, and provided helpful insight into healthy grains versus unhealthy grains for the employees and visitors. Chefs demonstrated ways to incorporate whole grains for breakfast and lunch with recipes for overnight oats and salads teaching attendees how to make delicious meals with healthy grains. Demo attendees were also encouraged to make their own overnight oats to take home for breakfast the next day.

    Last, but not least, the Food and Nutrition Department at UPMC Presbyterian ensures that the cafeteria is the wellness hub for the hospital by providing nutritious options including vegetarian and vegan fare, health and wellness information, and wellness programming. A priority of the department, employees and visitors can take advantage of an extensive salad bar that was recently renovated, offering a variety of fresh produce. The cafeteria has also increased vegetarian and vegan options by 30 percent, and offers at least one veg-friendly soup every day. The cafeteria’s wellness wall is a one-stop-shop for employees and visitors to get resources about health-related activities at the hospital, such as the employee weight race.

    The department also offers wellness programming for employees and visitors to receive resources for preparing health meals at home. Wellness Wednesday is an interactive health presentation that involves nutrition education and cooking demonstrations once per month. A chef and dietician provide the audience with tips and tricks to incorporating healthy foods into their diets in accessible ways. The Wellness Wednesday on February 14th celebrated American Heart Month by featuring healthier desserts, heart healthy recipes, and health screenings with recipes for tofu chocolate mousse and chocolate “nana” ice cream. The recipes demonstrated ways to transform traditionally unhealthy foods into healthier options with minor ingredient substitutions. Attendees and passersby had the opportunity to sample the recipes, and get recipe cards to make the foods at home. The Food and Nutrition Department also partnered with the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute to provide a variety of health screenings, including blood pressure screenings, for employees and visitors. In addition to focusing on human health, UPMC Presbyterian has also focused on the health of the environment by going Styrofoam-free. Switching to recyclable containers has allowed the cafeteria to reduce waste and its ecological footprint.

    27Feb, 2018
    Riverview School District and Pittsburgh Juice Company Earn Live Well Allegheny Status

    February 27, 2018

    PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Health Department announced that another school district – Riverview School District, and restaurant, Pittsburgh Juice Company, have joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign. Now participating are 50 communities, 42 restaurants, 14 workplaces and 14 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

     

    “I am very pleased to report that the Riverview School District and the Pittsburgh Juice Company have joined the Live Well effort,” said ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker. “Our newest Live Well Allegheny members will be providing opportunities to increase physical activity and to improve nutrition and healthy cooking practices, all of which are key elements that will help improve the health of our residents.”

    Live Well Allegheny School District

    The Riverview School District has committed to students’ health and wellness through initiatives that promote proper nutrition and physical activity as part of the learning experience. Initiatives for elementary school students include: morning movement and stretching activities, daily recess, mindfulness activities, and fitness Fridays, implemented by each school building’s Wellness Committee. For junior and senior high school students, Riverview Schools held its inaugural Turkey Trot, a successful, fun, half-day school event that offered three diverse healthy activities. The Riverview Junior and Senior High School Health and Physical Education Department have also concentrated on offering diverse fitness opportunities for students every day, providing cardio equipment, circuit training, and a music and dance class that students can utilize.

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    The Pittsburgh Juice Company has committed to providing healthier food options to its customers through continued sustainable practices. Customers have access to vegetarian dishes, whole grain alternatives and healthier beverage options. The restaurant uses plant based oils, and has eliminated the use of trans fats from their kitchen. In addition, the Pittsburgh Juice Company has a secure area for patrons to store their bicycles, if they need a rest in between rides.

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and Dr. Hacker.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participating workplaces can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    17Aug, 2017
    Several New Live Well Allegheny Designations

    August 17, 2017

    PITTSBURGH –  The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced today that one municipality, one school district, two workplaces and four restaurants have been designated as part of the Live Well Allegheny campaign during the past month. This brings the total to 49 communities, 13 school districts, 13 workplaces and 41 restaurants that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

    “In order to reach our goal of making Allegheny County the healthiest county for all residents it takes all of us doing our part to make healthy choices where we live, learn, work and eat,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director. “I am so pleased to be able that these organizations are joining with us in our efforts, and thank them for each contributing to Live Well Allegheny.”

    Live Well Allegheny Community

    Mount Oliver Borough is committed to sharing information on wellness campaign events with the broader community to encourage the voluntary participation of residents, encourage multi-modal transportation of residents by providing facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding with a specific focus on making good connections to municipal parks and promoting and their farmer’s market.

    Live Well Allegheny School District

    The Elizabeth Forward School District’s commitment began with a community garden that is farmed by elementary students at Greenock Elementary School and a summer enrichment class called, “Little Sprouts.” The class teaches children about growing and cultivating a garden as well as how to prepare the food that they grow. They also participate in “Cooking Matters” classes with parents sponsored by 412 Food Rescue, conduct several food drives and have a “Food Cupboard” at the school that provide food items for the neediest families. Additionally, the district provides healthy lunches and snacks for students. In the future, the district plans to conduct community surveys and to expand gardens to other schools in the district.

    Live Well Allegheny Workplace

    PITT OHIO has a robust workplace wellness program that includes offering healthy food and snacks for purchase in its cafeteria and in vending machines, and makes those same options available during company meetings and events. Employees have access to comprehensive health insurance including dental and eye care and preventative care without copays. The business has also established a tobacco-free workplace policy which includes cessation services, and is creating and sponsoring employee athletic teams and activities. To underscore PITT OHIO’s focus on health and wellness, a health and wellness coordinator has been in place since October 2015. In addition to providing resources, the workplace also provides annual Health Risk Assessments, a before-work stretching program, weight-loss competitions, group challenges and walking events.

    TCV Community Services offers its employees healthy food options in vending machines, a private area for breastfeeding employees, well-lit and safe stairwells, and access to water fountains dispensers and coolers on site. Moving forward, the workplace will be considering consider a tobacco and smoke-free work campus. The organization is also exploring the integration of health and wellness policies into its organizational structure through the adoption of a healthy food policy, a policy to support breastfeeding employees, the use of financial incentives to encourage participation in health improvement activities, potential health-club discounts for employees, and will provide or ensure that employees have access to comprehensive health insurance including dental and eye care in addition to preventive care without co-pays. Employees have access to health education information and are encouraged to participate in screenings including those for body mass index, obesity, and blood pressure.

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    The leadership of each of these restaurants has committed to providing healthy options for customers, information on which can be found on the Live Well Allegheny Restaurants page.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participating workplaces can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald as a comprehensive, innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.