About Us
County Impact Statements - Ashley County
Ashley County - Healthy Lifestyles
Extension Programs Focus on Healthy Lifestyles
To improve the health of Ashley County residents through proper nutrition and
regular physical activity a variety of educational programs were offered.
Over 1,500 adults and youth learned about the importance of eating at least 5
servings of fruits and vegetables through their participation in the "5 A Day
Program". The program featured exhibits, and presentations at grocery stores,
schools, county fair, and AARP Senior Citizens Day.
Two 15 week Weight Control Programs reached 15 people who lost 129 pounds and
walked 824 miles. The program emphasized choosing a sensible diet, walking
regularly, and making lifelong behavior changes. An average of 5 persons
participated in monthly support group classes. These participants maintained
their weight and walked 2,019 miles. The following is typical of comments made
by participants: "I lost 24 pounds on the program. I walked a lot of miles. I
feel so much better and I feel better about myself. My husband even commented on
how great I looked. My cholesterol tends to run high and I lowered it. I also
lost 12 inches. I have learned to cook more healthy and so my family benefits
from this. I would recommend the program to anyone. You get plenty to eat and it
is the right kinds of food".
Six programs on Food Labels Understanding What you Read reached eighty
people. The information taught in these sessions helped participants to become
better shoppers and to make wiser food choices.
Over 750 students were reached through their participation in Healthy
Lifestyles presentations. One student cited, "Thank you for teaching me about
health. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be able to read labels".
Iris Phifer (Right) presents fruit basket to student
participating in the 5 A Day program.
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Impacts
- Twenty participants improved body weight, blood pressure, overall
fitness and reduced health care costs.
- Over 2,800 miles were walked by 20 participants.
- Over 15 educational programs were offered relating to physical activity
reaching over 400 participants.
- Over 225 people decreased consumption of fats/saturated fats.
- Over 125 people increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Over 600
people indicated they plan to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.
- Seventy-five people increased consumption of calcium - rich foods.
- One hundred twenty-five people now use information of food labels for
nutritional values.
- Seventy-five youth now practice good sanitation practices.
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