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Partnership with Cardiovascular Salk-Walk II Improves Lifestyle Practices
| Name | Karen Leigh Leggett | | Situation | Allendale County has a population of approximately 11,700, of which 67% are from minority groups. According to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) - Office of Minority Health, Allendale County is one of the nine worst in the state for minority health status with regard to cardiovascular diseases as well as diabetes. In 1998, hospital costs for minority populations in Allendale County were over $783, 000 for treatment related to hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. (Excerpts from “Impact of Chronic Conditions”, SC DHEC) | | Response | The County agent participated in the Salk-Walk II cardiovascular project by partnering with the Allendale County ALIVE Health Task Force and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). The role of the County agent in this project was to educate participants regarding lifestyle habits that could influence cardiovascular health. The County agent presented a five-part series of educational lessons to a group of 48 area residents. The programs were presented over a five-month period and focused on aspects of healthy lifestyles. Specific topics included “Five-A-Day” principles, healthy portion sizes, reduced-sodium foods, reduced-fat food preparation, and stress management.
| | Impact | After participants completed all of the monthly educational programs, 46 (95 %) of the participants indicated they had gained new information regarding healthy lifestyles. This informal evaluation was conducted after each educational session by a show of hands, as well as from verbal response from participants. Eight months after the program was completed, a follow-up survey was mailed to all 48 participants. Out of the total receiving the survey, 25 individuals responded by returning their completed evaluation. Of those responding, 92% indicated that the knowledge gained has helped them to increase healthy habits. Eighty four (84) percent reported cooking healthier foods as a result of their participation in the educational programs.
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Last update9/2/2008
This website is maintained by Amy West.
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