Strategic PlanHealth Priority 2: Diabetes/Obesity

Strategy #1 Background and Intent: Improve Nutrition

Colfax County has a very high rate of diabetes (due in part to the high rate of obesity), ranking the 5 th highest county in New Mexico in 2002. The report states there were 951 adults, or 8.8% of the population at that time. Research shows that poor nutrition and physical inactivity are precursors/causes of Type II Diabetes. In the first 3 years of this subcommittee, we had success in identifying persons who needed follow up due to raised glucose levels. Our success was only anecdotal and had to be dropped due to CDC and DOH perspective that this is an ineffective activity. In partnership with Service Organization for Youth, we were also able to impress on some of the schools to change out their snack machines for healthier snacks and drinks. In-services with school kitchen staff were also given to help support more nutritional meals. We also established and maintain a Diabetes Support Group. In the 2004-2005 contract, we added Obesity to the Diabetes priority. The Subcommittee also chose to award scholarships for physical activity and nutrition education as a “pilot”. The intent was to utilize the recipients' documented weight/inches lost and lab improvements to encourage the entire community to become more conscientious about their activity and nutrition. Three adults and 3 youth participated in a regimented exercise program at low cost due to collaborative efforts with a fitness center. They also had access to Kitchens Creations, Joslin Classes, and I CAN classes free of charge to learn proper nutrition. This activity will not be continued through DOH funding for 2006-2007, but will continue if other funding becomes available. Reporting both the challenges and successes to the community is an effective means of encouragement to others. Activities: Support Kitchen Creations Classes, I CAN, & Joslin Classes through media; Support Kitchen Creations Classes, I CAN, & Joslin Classes through media; and Support Diabetes Education Activities with materials and advertising as funding allows. These classes are supported by best practices research as an effective tool for better nutrition. Education, research and funding are also proven to be helpful in raising awareness.

Strategy #2 Background and Intent: Improve Physical Activity

In the 2004-2005 fiscal year, Obesity was added to the Diabetes priority and we began the “Step Into Life” group and participated in the “America On The Move” initiative. During the 16 week on-line activity, the 15 member group logged in well over 9 million steps. The group's progress was reported through the local media and gained some attention but no new members. Beginning in February 2006, we also participated in a collaborative Food & Fun Club activity for 20- 4th and 5 th graders by supplying pedometers and log books to track activity. As soon as we became aware of the School Wellness Policies, we offered our services to each of the 4 school districts to help with designing their policies and curriculum. Activities: Begin a group for America on the Move; Support the Diabetes Support Group;

Provide Diabetes Education to the community as funding allows; Participate in the National Diabetes Education Project and American Fitness and Nutrition Coalition; Outreach to physicians with trail maps, education, hours of support group/classes. Literature has shown that these are good means of raising awareness and encouraging participation.