Obesity and lack of physical activity are attributed to increased health risks and sixty-six percent of Meade County residents are considered overweight or obese (BRFSS '17).    To address this risk the Lincoln Trail Area District Health educator and the Meade County FCS agent worked together to identify potential ways consumers could be proactive to reduce weight and improve overall health.  A program concept was created called Health Intervention to Prevention.  To be effective consumers needed to take an active role by incorporating better nutrition and exercise into their life style.  

 A year long program was outlined with the first six months focusing on education in the areas of nutrition, cooking skills and exercise techniques provided by the two educators.  Fourteen participants enrolled in the program and committed to attending three programs a month for the first six months and once a month for the remaining six months.   Beginning weight, waist circumference and blood pressure numbers were captured on the first day of the program.   Health measures were checked again at the end of the first six months with a portion of the participants numbers decreased some remained the same or increased slightly.   A full evaluation will be conducted at the end of the program in December ‘19.

BRFSS

Description: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kentucky Department for Public Health. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data as analyzed at the county level by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Control Program and College of Public Health.