How Healthy is Central Brooklyn?
WNYC recently did a story on health issues in the South Bronx where they alluded to Central Brooklyn joining the South Bronx and Northern Manhattan as the three areas in this city granted District Public Health Offices (DPHO) that are meant to help develop community based solutions to public health issues such as asthma, diabetes and obesity.
While there have been a few sightings of a green cart on Nostrand, farmers markets at Weeksville and Malcolm X respectively, and the Crown Heights CSA, as well as fitness centers like the St. Johns Recreation Center and Resurgent Fitness, not to mention Brower Park. According to DPHO statistics 35% of adults in Bed Stuy and Brownsvill are overweight, double the figure for high school students in the same area.
Quality food choices are obviously one part of a holistic public health pyramid. Fitness resources, be they gyms or parks and ample green space are also necessary, as well as resources to ensure that residents are kept abreast of new developments, and are employing good health care habits.
It remains to be seen whether these newly minted DPHOs can solve this riddle, but for all our sakes we are glad they are trying.
Brooklyn District Public Health Office
Bedford Health Center
485 Throop Avenue,Brooklyn,NY 11221
646-253-5700
BrooklynDPHO@health.nyc.gov
Bushwick Health Center
335 Central Avenue,Brooklyn,NY 11221
718-573-4847
BrooklynDPHO@health.nyc.gov
Popularity: 1% [?]
I’d like to mention the Berean Community and Family Life Center as an important resource in Central Brooklyn. They offer medical services, including consultations with nutritionists and health assessments. They also have a drumline for youth and offer a wellness program for teenage girls. They also host a number of health fairs in the summer months. The staff is very dedicated.
They have a website and are located on Bergen Street near Rochester Avenue.