This summer, at Pleasant Point Baptist Church, a class was started with the ladies group, and the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum was used.  10 ladies graduated the program, at least 7 of which were widows.  The class provided them not only with social interaction and a healthy environment to spend time with friends, but also gave them recipes, tips and information to live healthier lives.  Attendance was always high throughout the weeks of class.  8 out of 10 of the ladies had perfect attendance and the others who did not, never missed more than one or two classes.  For those who did miss, they were eager to make up the lessons and receive any information they did not get initially. 

The group as a whole displayed many positive behavioral changes. 80% of the participants showed improvement in one or more food resource management practice. Also, 80% (8 of 10) of participants showed improvement in one or more nutrition practice.  40% (4 of 10) of participants showed improvement in one or more food safety practice (i.e. thawing and storing foods correctly).  Upon closer examination of this improvement, it is apparent that the reason why only 40% showed improvement is because 60% were already following the optimal food safety guidelines for storing and thawing food (Questions 5 and 6 on the behavioral checklist).  This meant that by the end of the program, 9 out of 10 participants had perfect answers on these two questions. (i.e. they answered “never” to both questions 5 and 6) The one lady who did not had nearly perfect responses (she answered “never” and “seldom” to question 5 and 6).

This class was a highly engaged and enthusiastic group, and would have undoubtedly went longer if the program year was not coming to a close.  This was a great group!