Healthier You

The adult obesity rate for Hart County in 2012 was 34% and only 63% percent of adults living in the county indicated that they were physically activity. This inactivity along with the obesity rate resulted in 26% of adults saying they were in poor to fair health and large number of premature deaths.

To address the health issues in the county the Hart County Health Department along with the Hart County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent teamed for a 16 week program entitled Healthier You that included lessons on understanding blood pressure, heart disease, BMI, food label reading, the importance of exercise, understanding diabetes and other health related topics. Participates were involved in individual challenges as well as team challenges.  

As a direct result of this program 9 participates lost a total of 32 pounds.  At the end of the program 2 participates had lower blood pressure and all participates indicated they were more active. This program also resulted individuals forming support groups to encourage each other to be more active.