One of the major health issues residents of Kentucky suffer from is heart disease, most often induced by an unhealthy diet and obesity.  Kentucky ranks 5^th in the US for obesity occurrence with a staggering 36.6% of residents being reported as obese.  This prompted the Lewis County Snap Ed Program Assistant to partner with Grace Baptist Church in Garrison, KY to present the Healthy Choices for Everybody program using their fellowship hall as the meeting room.

Twenty four participants graduated from the program that took place over a four month time frame.   Out of the 24 participants, 59% reported an improvement in their diet quality by eating with 86% reporting an increase in their physical activity levels.  71% reported more fruit consumption with 54% reporting they consumed more vegetables regularly.  Noteworthy was the total weight loss of the group reported at 215 lbs total weight lost over the four month journey.  Participants reported feeling more energetic and better capable of focusing on their day to day tasks as well as having a better outlook on their wellbeing.

Working with this group of participants demonstrates that with some determination, small changes can add up to large milestones.  Making a decision to take on a new lifestyle as far as nutrition and physical activity can seem daunting, but with the right mentality, it can be done and this group demonstrated the positive impact it can have on overall health.