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About Us
County Impact Statements - Greene County
Pyramid Challenge Reveals Inadequate Diet
Five of the major causes of death in Arkansas are lifestyle-related chronic
diseases. Lifestyle factors, such as diets high in fat and low in fruits and
vegetables, lack of physical activity, and smoking increase the risks of chronic
disease. In Arkansas 55% of all adults are overweight. Diet-related illnesses
are heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
Debbie Still, county agent in Greene county, collaborated with Kitty Witcher
from Arkansas Methodist Medical Center to conduct 16 health fairs at factories
and schools in Greene County.
The participant was asked what they have eaten in the last 24 hours which
includes three meals and snacks. Then this is scored by the pyramid challenge
computer program. They are told what amount that they eat of each food group,
calories, successes, and any improvements that need to be made to improve their
diet for better health.
After doing the pyramid challenge for the individuals they are surprised that
they are eating so poorly. Most people think that they are eating fairly well
but are surprised when it’s actually recorded on paper. About 95% of the people
do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. With the teenagers they are very
lacking in calcium since they rarely eat from the dairy group.
Extension’s Nutrition programs teaches basic nutrition education, food
safety, and resource management to improve the quality of life for every
individual.
Debbie Still conducting the Pyramid Challenge
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Impacts
- 1727 adults participated in the pyramid challenge at the health fairs in
Greene county.
- 153 youth participated in the pyramid challenge at the health fairs in
Greene County.
- About 75 % stated that they would try to eat more fruits and vegetables
for better health.
- Poor diets lead to diet related illnesses such as heart disease, cancer,
stroke, and diabetes.
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