A Comprehensive Approach to Healthy Eating, Active Living and Preventing Violence

In efforts to promote healthy eating and active living, many communities are finding that violence is increasingly impeding the effectiveness of their efforts. In the face of violence and safety concerns, residents in impacted communities often do not view healthy eating as a priority because protection from violence is a more intense and immediate need. Yet these communities are at higher risk for chronic diseases. Violence and the perception of violence negatively affects healthy eating and active living in many ways: 1) women avoid trips to grocery stores which impacts the family's health; 2) communities perceived as violent will not attract food retail stores and are not seen as a viable market for healthy foods; 3) overeating serves as a coping mechanism for victims and witnesses to violence; and 4) Perception of violence predicts physical activity more than the availability and accessibility to parks and open space.

As the evidence grows about the links between violence, healthy eating and active living, communities are faced with the challenge of effectively addressing these complex issues. Based on findings from key informant interviews with experts in the field of healthy eating and active living and community leaders, this presentation will make the case for the link between violence, healthy eating and active living; provide examples of best and promising practices, and propose prevention strategies that are comprehensive, collaborative and innovative.