218374 Trouble in Paradise: How Data Maps Identified Health Disparities and High Regional Rates of Obesity in Colorado

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Eric Aakko, MS, CHES , Colorado Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO
Colorado has the lowest adult obesity rate in the nation. However, through a collation and mapping of data, results show that Colorado has regional obesity rates that compare to most states. The mapping also uncovered that regions with disparate outcomes in obesity and diabetes prevalence also had disparately higher levels of poverty. Mapping regional health data profiles creates a powerful visual and “layering” of health data. The layering of the maps identified the regions that are highest in poverty, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity. As a result of the mapping process, targeted regional interventions with state and local partners are being implemented. A summary of the policy interventions to address the built environment, increase physical activity, as well as other applications for mapping chronic disease indicators and health disparities will be discussed.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related public policy
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health

Learning Objectives:
Identify three key strategies on developing and using data for state and regional mapping of various health indicators. Assess two policy interventions to address the built environment and increase physical activity in a disparate community.

Keywords: Obesity, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Director of the State of Colorado's program (COPAN) to address obesity, physical inactivity, nutrition, and policy development in these areas. I've published and presented as an expert on the above issues for the state health department.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

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.