Walk This Way! Empowering Diverse Communities to Build Better Blocks

Obesity is a national epidemic with wide consequences and cost to America’s health and productivity. Community level interventions are gaining popularity as cost efficient measures to reduce obesity and improve health.Using an ecological approach to combat childhood obesity, the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children developed an evidence based audit tool that trains community members to spot barriers to increasing physical activity in diverse communities. The Active Transportation Alliance in Chicago, IL uses the tool as a guide for its Better Blocks program.

In this interesting and interactive presentation, a health promotion leader will provide participants with these two tools to promote healthy, active living in their communities. First, participants will participate in a walkability assessment workshop, where they will learn how to conduct a neighborhood assessment, a framework  to identify “hot spots” and determine  solutions that help lay the foundation for living an active, safe and healthy lifestyle. After the assessment, a "Better Blocks" program will be introduced to the audience. This community level intervention is used to educate neighbors on how to make streets safer for walking and biking. Communities are becoming  safe and healthy on block at a time!

This innovative approach to addressing health disparities and improving community health will enhance the ability of participants to enrich the lives of those at risk for negative health across the nation.