Two-thirds of all deaths in West Virginia can be attributed to the chronic diseases of heart disease (32%), cancer (23.5%), and stroke (6.8%). Additionally,
diabetes is a common, serious, and costly disease in West Virginia.
Since 1994, the incidence of diabetes in our state has increased almost 20% and
affects nearly 25% of those over 65 years of age. It is estimated that
another 3% of WV adults have diabetes but do not know it. West Virginia
ranks 11th out of 50 states in diabetes prevalence. Putnam County families
are part of these alarming statistics.
Each of these diseases has risk factors that could be reduced through
lifestyle changes. This includes the adoption of health promotion
practices related to nutrition, exercise, and the use of tobacco products plus
participation in health screening programs. As an extension educator, I
play a key role in the dissemination of timely and factual information on risk
reduction strategies for these diseases. The major emphasis in
Putnam County for 2004 in promoting the physical health and well-being of
families is nutrition education for youth, physical activity for older adults,
diabetes education for adults, and diabetes education for health professionals.
Just For Kids, Making Food Choices
"Just For Kids, Making Food Choices" is an activity-packed learning program for
school-age children in Putnam County. Developed by Sally Summers, teachers, and parents. "Just For Kids" is presented in the classroom as part of the kindergarten through fifth-grade elementary science and health classes and high school wellness classes. The goal is to empower the students to improve their level of wellness by understanding the relationship between diet and health and by developing the skills needed to make positive behavior changes.
During the 2003-2004 school year, 580 youth and 27 teachers at eight elementary
schools participated.
"Just For Kids, Making Food Choices" will be offered this school year from
October 2004 through May 2005. Contact Sally Summers, WV University Extension educator at 586-0217 or Sally.Summers@mail.wvu.edu for more information.
Diabetes Education
~ For People and their Caregivers
Diabetes
is a frequent, costly, and devastating disease. Its toll in West Virginia
as well as the rest of the United States and other countries strains our already
limited resources. Diabetes affects more than 25% OF West Virginians by
the time they reach age 65. Women and African Americans are more
frequently affected than other groups.
In Putnam County, where a large portion of the population is of
retirement age, the prevalence of diabetes is 4.3%. This means, according
to the latest statistics available, in a year's time an estimated 1,700 adults
were told by a doctor that they have diabetes. It is also estimated that
another 3% of West Virginia adults have diabetes and do not know it.
The direct and indirect costs of diabetes are staggering.
The human cost, expressed in complications such as blindness, amputations,
kidney failure, impotence, heart disease, and stock is overwhelming.
Managing diabetes through diet, medication, and exercise can help control the
complications of this chronic disease. This is why the "Dining with
Diabetes" Cooking School program is so critical to the well-being of Putnam
County and West Virginia families.
In the six years since the diabetes cooking school program was piloted, there have been
twenty cooking schools for people with diabetes and
their caregivers followed up with three to six-month reunions offered to Putnam County
families. The diabetes cooking school program is grant funded and free of
charge to participants.
In September 2003, a clinical component was added to this
diabetes education program. People with diabetes now have an A1C test and
blood pressure check at session one and the three month follow-up reunion.
Partnering with healthy professionals and having the support of
the local Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) volunteers make this
diabetes education program happen. Three cooking schools were completed
this year (2004). The next scheduled diabetes cooking school in Putnam
County will be held at the Winfield United Methodist Church in late March to
mid-April 2005.
Diabetes Education
for Health Professionals
Health
educator know the importance of keeping "on top" of the latest
research concerning the management of diabetes and getting this vital
information to the people afflicted with this chronic disease and their
families. For this and other reasons, the West Virginia University
Extension Service and the West Virginia Extension Association of Family and
Consumer Sciences offers a conference on diabetes education targeting
health professionals.
The 2004 "Bridging the Gap with Education" Diabetes
Symposium and Workshop will be held in Charleston at the Embassy Suites Hotel
from October 20 through noon on October 22. Several
nationally recognized experts in the field of diabetes
education will present the latest in research findings. Concurrent
sessions will also offered. The
health professionals in attendance earned continuing education credit.
For more information concerning this professional
development conference, you can call Sally Summers at (304)586-0217 or email at Sally.Summers@mail.wvu.edu.
Active For Life
What Is Active for Life?
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a low-to moderate-intensity strengthening and flexibility exercise program for older adults, which can be done lying, seated, or standing. |
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a professionally designed program developed by West Virginia University Extension Service in consultation with a physical therapist who works with this age group. |
It's Easy to Start…
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…in senior centers, churches, nutrition sites, and senior housing complexes. |
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…in a nursing home or personal care home. |
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…in a person's own home. |
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…with volunteer leaders coordinating and leading sessions. |
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…by following the tested program materials. |
Who Can Organize an Active for Life Group?
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The program is open to any interested individual or group. Designated instructors will train volunteer leaders to organize and conduct Active for Life sessions. |
Why Exercise?
Physical activity is one of the most significant health interventions in the lives of older adults. It can:
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improve heart and lung endurance |
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improve flexibility |
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relieve aching muscles and joints |
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reduce high blood pressure |
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improve balance |
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reduce stress |
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reduce obesity |
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reverse fatigue |
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improve circulation |
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improve strength and agility |
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help to maintain an independent lifestyle |
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and … it's fun! |
There is an organized group at the St. John United Methodist Church at Scott Depot.
Another group is being organized at the Hometown Senior Center in September-October
2004.
Interested in starting a group? For more information call Sally Summers, WV University extension educator at 586-0217 or email her at Sally.Summers@mail.wvu.edu.
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