Health-Related Data from a Community Risk Reduction Program

Healthy U™ of DelMarva

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to examine baseline data from participants in a community coalition aiming to reduce disease risk and enhance lifestyle modification. Adults (N = 5,876) residing in the Eastern Shore of Maryland enrolled in the program, and were encouraged to re-enroll the following year. Incentives were offered to enhance participation and program adherence. Cooking demonstrations, exercise classes, and lectures were held, and community-wide messages espousing healthy behavior were spread to increase knowledge of healthy behavior. Participants filled out a survey, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured. Frequency statistics were used to analyze data. BMI (29.73 ± 7.38 kg/m2 ), waist circumference (37.15 ± 6.85 in.), and WHR (0.84 ± 0.09) surpassed healthy values. Intake of fruits and vegetables was low, inactivity was high (50% of members exercised less than two days/week), and diets moderate or high in fat were prevalent (70% of participants). Data confirm the rather unhealthy lifestyle of our local population. Future interventions to enhance wellness and reduce disease in this population are warranted.