142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Start Walking Now! A Model for Creating Healthy Social Experiences and Systems in US Communities

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 : 2:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Fil Guipoco, MA , American Heart Assocation, Chicago, IL
Obesity is a national epidemic with wide consequences and cost to America’s health and productivity. The risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease increases dramatically in overweight and obese individuals. Community level interventions are gaining popularity as cost efficient measures to reduce obesity and improve health. Taking just 10 minutes 3X a day to walk will help individuals live longer.  In fact, studies show that just one hour of vigorous exercise will increase life expectancy by two hours.

Participants will be guided through the American Heart Association’s “Walking Paths,” a distance markers program using a fun online tool to design free and safe routes in communities that promotes physical activity, brings neighbors together and provides valuable history lessons. Special walking paths chosen by community partners are designed to make physical activity more convenient and accessible, while encourage the public to embrace a healthy lifestyle. The presenter will share an online app where they can download the Walking Path How-To Guide, and gain tips on identifying a walking path to share, a scorecard for determining if the path is worth sharing and instructions on creating the path online.

This innovative approach by a national organization will enhance the ability of participants to enrich lives of those at risk for negative health across the nation.

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture
Program planning
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Define steps of a neighborhood walkability assessment process. Describe an innovative online tool for creating neighborhood walking paths.

Keyword(s): Community Health Programs, Health Promotion and Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Fil has been with the American Heart Association for 13 years and has supported several health strategies efforts both locally and nationally.He works closely with volunteers and alliance partners in breaking new and exciting ground within the Latino market and has been a champion and a leader in Latino initiatives within the Health Equity field at both the local, regional and national level.
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.

Back to: 4359.0: Define it! Design it! Do it! A Community Action Model to Address Disparities, Promote Health, and Create Positive Social Experiences in Diverse Communities