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The borough's first health and environmental conference known as "Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle for Staten Island" featured everything from free back massages to stress tests to blood pressure readings.

"It's a one-stop-shop for all your health and environmental questions, concerns, we have a ton of free testing today," said Cesar Claro of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation.

Presented by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and City Councilman James Oddo, the all-day fair was designed to make residents better informed about steps that can lead to better health. Residents on Staten Island have higher rates of obesity and diabetes than any other borough in the city as well as a high percentage of residents who smoke.

City health commissioner Thomas Farley says part of solving the problem is changing the environment.

"If we want people to adopt healthy behaviors, which is the best way to not get sick in the first place now, we need to make it easier for people to adopt healthier behaviors, so that people have access to healthier food, need to make it easier for people to be physically active," Farley said.

The conference comes in the midst of a national debate about health care reform which many Staten Islanders are monitoring closely.

"It's a very complicated bill; something has to be done for all people, it's not easy, but they have to come to some conclusion," said Staten Island resident Phyllis Laprchia.

"While they're debating the big picture, there's a window here to grab the attention of Staten Islanders and say, there has to be reform, but you have to reform your own lifestyles, and there's a healthier way, and it's good for you, it's good for your kids," said City Councilman James Oddo.

Oddo also announced the launch of a new website Thursday, which will give residents Staten Island-specific information about health, nutrition, diet, fitness and medicine.

While still in its early stages, www.healthysi.com is expected to be fully operational in the coming days.