148576 Dimensions of Wellness Specifically Cardiovascular Endurance Activity in At-Risk African American Communities

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Jeanette Robinson, PhD, MSPH , Wellness and Research, American Fitness Health & Wellness Institute, Dayton, OH
Even though there is a plethora of documented cardiovascular research, there is limited faith-based cardiovascular endurance activity research in at-risk, low income Black communities using nontraditional methods. According to the American Heart Association there are few studies involving Blacks and other racial and ethnic minorities. Although not a new concept, church and faith based health promotion programs have yet to be widely researched and defined. The Black American cultures are known to rely on their faith during difficult times and their spiritual beliefs have helped them during various historical moments in African American history. This tradition may demonstrate a positive effect and social change to improve their cardiovascular endurance health even though negative messages and unhealthy foods are a product of the environment. A six week randomized sample comparison intervention to measure the effects of faith-based versus non faith-based dimensions of wellness, specifically cardiovascular endurance activities both conducted in a faith place environment. Faith based initiatives using a Faith Based Lifestyle Cyclical Method. This tool includes nine dimensions of wellness that are interconnected and revolve daily around various lifestyle needs and changes.The objective of this strategy is to measure any increase in participation rates of cardiovascular endurance activity and healthier lifestyles in at-risk economically disadvantaged African American communities.

Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:Identify key initiatives to increase not only physical activity but cardiovascular endurance activity to improve cardiovascular health. Recognize the importance of reducing the 71 million Americans affected by heart disease in America each year and list ways to use cardiovascular endurance activities to reduce the 1 million who die from this disease.Identify the dimensions of wellness that affect the Black communities more than other communities by using a Lifestyle Cyclical Method Approach.

Keywords: Health Promotion, Community-Based Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.