The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66416

Star Heintz, MS, RD¹, Linda Chasson, MS², Joseph Grandpre, PhD, MPH³, Doreen Sing, MA, LPC⁴, Laura Hudspeth⁴, and Laura Hudspeth⁴. (1) Preventive Health & Safety Division/CVD Program, Wyoming Department of Health, 6101 Yellowstone Road, Suite 259A, Cheyenne, WY 82002, (307) 777-3732, sheint@state.wy.us, (2) Wyoming Diabetes Program, Wyoming Department of Health, 6101 Yellowstone Rd., Suite 259A, Cheyenne, WY 82002, (3) Chronic Disease, Wyoming Department of Health, 6101 Yellowstone Rd., Suite 259A, Cheyenne, WY 82002, (4) Aging Division, Wyoming Department of Health, 6101 Yellowstone Rd., Suite 259B, Cheyenne, WY 82002

The "3 Steps to Healthy Living" is a collaboration between the Wyoming Preventive Health & Safety Division and the Aging Division. The "3 Steps to Healthy Living" is a 12-week program emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity, healthy eating, and reducing unnecessary stress for individuals age 60 and over. Participants include senior centers, a foster grandparent program, and Northern Arapahoe Elders who reside on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Three educational sessions were conducted over a six month period. During the first session, participants were issued a pedometer, physical activity logs, and a program book. A presentation was also included during the first session where participants learned the importance of regular physical activity in older adults, types of activities, and how to incorporate physical activity into daily living. The second session focused on healthy eating and the importance of nutrition in older adults. The Food Guide Pyramid for older adults and food labels were discussed. The third session focused on mental wellness relating to stress reduction. During each educational session, pre and post surveys were collected to determine attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors related to physical activity, healthy eating (including fruit and vegetable consumption), and mental wellness. Blood pressure was recorded and physical activity logs were collected from prior weeks. The first year of program implementation will be presented along with results of pre and post surveys, blood pressure data, and physical activity progress. Topics covered in each educational presentation, program delivery, and program maintenance will also be described.

Learning Objectives:

• The audience will be able to apply the strategies used for enhancing and delivering effective health promotion/disease prevention programs to older adults.

Keywords: Aging, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Funded by: Health & Aging State Grant from the Health and Aging Ad Hoc Adviosry Committee of the Association of State & Territorial Chronic Disease Program Directors.