Recorded presentation

Armenia M. Williams, DPA, RNC, FNP, Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing, Georgia State University, 6235 Rockland Road, Lithonia, GA 30038, 404-651-4274, awilliam@gsu.edu and Judith L. Wold, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, Georgia State University, P. O. Box 4019, Atlanta, GA 30302-4019.

Physical activity participation is an avenue to better health and a preventive strategy for prevention of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and obesity. In low-income women, such participation presents a challenge. Barriers for physical activity are present in both the women who need regular physical activity and in the small companies that employ them in low-paying jobs. In many instances, lifestyle and the work schedules of low-income women leave little time for physical activity that is beneficial. Recruitment of women into physical activity is bolstered by culturally sensitive strategies and by demonstrating to small business employers that the physically active worker is a more productive worker. Incentives for the worker and the employer are discussed in this presentation. The authors have been successful in work site recruitment of women into physical activity at varied small work sites. After participation in work site based programs for six months or more, self-reported changes in physical activity levels and improvements in cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure measures demonstrate that women can and will make activity level changes. Successful outcomes indicate that small work sites can be the focus of low cost physical activity programs for low-income women.

Learning Objectives: After attending this session, the participant should be able to

• Identify barriers for physical activity in low-income women,
• Describe incentives that are effective in work site recruitment of low-income women into regular physical activity,
• Compare ethnic group characteristics related to physical activity participation,
• Describe outcomes of physical activity for low income women.

Keywords: Women's Health, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation