Success StoryGet Healthy McCreary County: Hiking Series



Get Healthy McCreary County: Hiking Series

Author: Danielle Barrett

Planning Unit: McCreary County CES

Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)

Plan of Work: Healthy Families & Community

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

According to County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, McCreary County ranks 120 of 120 Kentucky counties in health behaviors. The report states the county adult obesity rate is 40% and the level of physical inactivity is 39%. Obese individuals are at an increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. Increased consumption of unhealthy food, stress, and a built environment that divides the communities and makes it difficult to access opportunities for physical activity are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic in McCreary County. In order to reach adults with a hectic lifestyle “Get Healthy: McCreary Hiking Series” was implemented to help individuals develop and implement skills to live a healthier lifestyle. The hiking series originally included 10 group hikes; however, due to COVID-19, we were only able to have two. A total of 47 individuals participated in the two hikes. 100% of participants reported increased knowledge in the importance of physical activity and 90& of participants claimed that they increased their average amount of physical activity. 100% of participates said they would attend the program in the future.