BODY WALK

The Epidemic -There is a growing problem with the health and well-being of our youth.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth-highest rate of obesity in the nation. (National Health and Examination Survey). During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in Kentucky, the rates remain high and one in five children are overweight.  Kentucky has the 14th highest obesity rate for youth ages 10 to 17 and the obesity rate for middle and high school students is 20.2% ranked 3^rd out of 43 states..  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and teens who are obese are likely to be obese as adults. They also have an increased risk for health conditions, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.

These growing health and nutrition problems identified, on the state and community levels as urgent issues to address in current Extension programs.  With a school population of approximately 4258 youth, statistically over 900 students could theoretically fall into the obese category.  It is important that youth and families recognize, understand, and practice proper health/nutrition habits.  A collaborative effort formed with the Ohio County Extension Service, Ohio County Schools, Ohio County Health Care and the Ohio County Health Council to educate our youth on the perils of obesity. 

The Body Walk program shows the relationship between physical activity and health eating to reinforce positive health behaviors and raise the value placed on health. Ohio County 4-H partners with the 7^th grade Life Skills classes at the middle where 387 youth received six hours of training to reinforce the lifestyle culture changes the youth need to make to live healthy productive lives.   Body walk replicates the human body by providing 15 interactive educational stations that link healthy living with our diet, good nutrition choices, and physical activity.  Educational stations included: USDA MyPlate, Brain Development, Mouth Care, Stomach Maintenance, Small Intestine Health, Healthy Heart, Lungs - the effects of Tobacco and E-Cig products, Strong Bones, Healthy Muscles, Skin Protection, Exercise for Life, Food Portion Control, Sugars in our Diet, Fats in our Diet, Diabetes, and Healthy Snack Choices.

As a result of Body Walk:  
 Youth acquired new skills to determine how food affects the overall health of their body (92%)

Youth learned the damaging effects of tobacco and e-cig products can have on their health (98%)   

Youth gained knowledge about healthy eating and exercise practices (100) 
 Youth understood how physical activity affects their overall good health (91%)

Youth learned the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their nutrition requirements. 
 Health Awareness increased among youth, parents, school personnel and the community. 
 Student: “I did not realize how much sugar was in the foods I eat.”
 Student Comment: “I received a wake-up call on the portion sizes. I usually overeat most meals, that can lead to a weight increase.”

Student: “MyPlate makes so much sense.  Your plate is divided into food groups that are important for a healthy diet.”
 Healthy eating and physical activity are important life skills that will help youth build healthy habits to prevent them from developing adult problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. The Body Walk program reinforces nutrition, health, and physical activity in a way that help youth set healthy goals through nutrition and physical activities.