Let's Get Healthy Together Putting our Mind, Body and Soul in Motion for a Healthier Lifestyle

African Americans are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus and many chronic and fatal diseases including various cancers, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. The rapid growth of incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has become a serious public health issue. Obesity and inactivity along with poor dietary habits are among the most common risk factors for most chronic diseases along with other social determinants of health. Mind, Body and Soul in Motion, was adapted from an evidence-based wellness program for African Americans to promote healthier lifestyle. Method. The Program was designed to provide African American, males and females, ages 10 and over with monthly health information, free weekly exercise session and cooking demonstrations /taste testing, with alternative preparation methods, and recipes for participants to try at home at no cost. Baseline data was collected at the beginning of the exercise sessions. A survey was given at the beginning of the cooking demonstration to determine knowledge and frequency of consumption of the food to be demonstrated. Sign in sheets were used to collect age, education, zip code and, race. Information regarding the food, preparation method new or not, like or dislike item, and if they would make at home. Results: There were 1500 participants in the program, age, education and zip code were diverse, 35% weight loss, 75% liked tasted item, and 60% cooking method new. Conclusion: Churches introduced a policy to include alternative method for serving food and to provide healthy options at all events serving foods.