NASHVILLE _ State Rep. Esther Helton, R-East Ridge, has been appointed to serve on the Healthy Parks, Healthy Person Advisory Board, a panel created to encourage Tennesseans to improve their health by being more active outside in parks. 

Healthy Parks, Healthy Person is a program in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Tennessee State Parks with support from the Tennessee Department of Health. HPHP provides web-based and mobile tools for participants to track their activities and earn perks.

Helton, a nurse, will lend her expertise in an advisory role to further the mission of the board to promote health and wellness across the state.

“I have always cared very deeply about prevention and wellness both personally and professionally,” Helton said. “So, it is a tremendous honor to be invited to join the Healthy Parks, Healthy Person Advisory Board. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to make a difference in the lives and health of Tennesseans and promoting our beautiful parks.”

The board will meet quarterly and will be comprised of leaders across the government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors along with community representatives. Jim Bryson, TDEC Deputy Commissioner for Parks and Conservation, and Michael Robertson, Director of Tennessee State Parks, and State Rep. Sam Whitson, R-Franklin, will also serve on the board.

Tennessee State Parks’ Healthy Parks, Healthy Person program rewards park goers for participating in outdoor activities. Through the use of the Healthy Parks Healthy Person app, participants can use their mobile device to create a profile and begin earning points and rewards for getting outside and active in any park in Tennessee.

To learn more: http://healthyparkstn.com/