NP
The need for aggressive public health efforts targeting sedentary behavior is well known, but the challenge of effecting behavior change, especially in the physically inactive, remains formidable. Modifying the environment is one approach to promoting physical activity (PA). The Sli na Slainte (Path to Health) is an innovative environmental change program developed by the Irish Heart Foundation and brought to the USA by the Rhode Island Prevention Coalition (PREVCO), with the American Heart Asssociation as the USA franchisee. The Path to Health program consists of the construction of measured and marked walking routes in urban areas. Unlike other walking or fitness paths that exist in remote locations and require significant construction and maintenance, Path to Health routes use existing sidewalks and concrete. The routes are centrally located where people live and work, and are exciting, scenic, and fun to walk. Walking is the PA most preferred by adults, and proximity to the home or workplace, and enjoyment are significant factors affecting the adoption of and adherence to PA. There are 4 major processes that are ongoing in creating a Path to Health:
(1) Planning (local government support, financial sponsorship, plotting route);
(2) Material development (signs);
(3) Installation (community donated);
(4) Promotion (community involvement, activities, materials, and website);
The processes will be presented in detail and the lessons learned from the PREVCO experience will be discussed. The Path to Health program is an excellent model for other types of PA promotion, environmental change, and health behavior change projects in general.
Learning Objectives: (1) Understand the processes involved in creating a Path to Health, and how they apply to other programs. (2) Discuss community activation and other partnerships in development, implementation and promotion of Path to Health
Keywords: Physical Activity, Community Health Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.