In the United States it is estimated that 70% of premature mortality is directly related to behavioral choices. There persists a great need for community based wellness programs, which can promote better health related behavior choices. This is particularly true in underserved populations, which have the highest preventable disease burden, yet have the least access to preventive services. The purpose of this program, Fit, Fun and Thin Some (FFTS) is to effectively change the modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors and assist participants in creating a healthier lifestyle. It consists of a10-week exercise, nutritional education and positive attitudes training program. Nutritional education encompasses food assessments, recipe makeovers and trips to local supermarkets. The positive attitude training involves stress management, African dancing and massage therapy. After screening over 150 people, 30 participants were selected from an economically disadvantaged, underserved New Orleans neighborhood. In order to measure the effectiveness of the program, outcome measures prior to the 10 weeks and afterward are monitored. These include body mass index, lipids, glucose, blood pressure, flexibility, exercise capacity and quality of life. At baseline, in general the participants were overweight, possess borderline high blood pressure, sedentary and predominately women of African-American decent. All of which puts them at extremely high risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is our expectations that the program will significantly improve the participants' cardiovascular disease risk profiles. In addition, we aspire that once this program is enhanced it will serve as a prototype for other neighborhoods to promote healthier behavioral choices.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the poster session, the participants will be able to: 1.Recognize the need for community wellness programs that take an extra step to add positive attitude training sessions. 2.Articulate the procedure for running a fine-tuned community program in an underserved population. 3.Apply the Fit, Fun and Thin Some community program protocol to other cities in need around the nation
Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Chronic (CVD)
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.