Is Your County a Bright Spot in Appalachia?
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The second report in a series exploring health issues in Appalachia, Identifying Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Statistical Analysis describes the results of a regression analysis used to assess how each of the Appalachian Region’s 420 counties scored on 19 different health indicators, and then identifies counties with better-than-expected outcomes, given their characteristics and resource levels. Through this process, 42 Appalachian counties were classified as "Bright Spot" counties.
Five of the ten counties featured are members of the Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project.
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Hale County, AL
Coalition implemented have implemented two diabetes awareness walks, (Hale County Sugar Stomp.) Participants receive glucose, BP and BMI screenings.Coalition members also participated in the
Movement on Mainstreet initiative funded by the EPA and the ARC to implement series of community events that improve health, protect the environment, and support economic growth.
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McCreary County, KY
Coalition members have implemented a 6-week Gentle Yoga program at the McCreary County Senior Citizen Center, purchased benches for the walking track at the McCreary County Park/Senior Citizen Center, and have developed hiking brochure and purchased hiking sticks to be used in hiking program in McCreary County.
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Noxubee County, MS
Coalition members have worked with the faith-based community to disseminate information about health fairs, screenings, and community events. The coalition has implemented regular blood pressure checks at several churches on Sundays, hosted back to school health fairs, supported community gardens, and community walks.
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Wayne County, KY
Coalition members continue to implement the Health Rocks Summer Camp. Sixty children between the ages of 8 – 12 attended the week long camp in 2018. The camp focuses on fruit and vegetable consumption and fun physical activity. The schedule alternates difference physical activities with educational classes. By end of the day, each child has received at least 4 hours of physical activity. Activities include: walking, swimming, yoga, a sport, an outside game, etc., games that emphasize participation rather than competition. We typically have about 20 teen and 12 adult volunteers.
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Wirt County, WV
Almost any health-focused initiative in Wirt County is a result of two or more groups collaborating to meet residents’ needs. Many of the collaborations offer health services, health education, and social services to address factors that can impact health. A partnership between the health department and the local school system provides resources for several nutrition and physical education programs. Through a Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant, the health department was able to purchase bicycles for the middle school physical education program.
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Since 2001, the Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation project has worked prevent and control diabetes by working with community-based coalitions in rural undeserved counties in Appalachia. Currently there are 76 coalitions who are active members of the network.
This project is a federal, state, and community partnership involving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and a team at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health at Marshall University.
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August is
National Immunization Awareness Month
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People with diabetes are at higher risk for serious problems from certain
vaccine-preventable diseases
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Each year thousands of adults in the United States get sick from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines — some people are hospitalized, and some even die. People with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) are at higher risk for serious problems from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Getting vaccinated is an important step in staying healthy. The CDC has a list of recommended vaccines for individuals with diabetes. You can take an immunization quiz based on your personal health history and a list of recommended vaccines can be provided for you.
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Looking for a new health education program to try in your county? Try one of these....
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Check. Change. Control. is an evidence-based hypertension management program that utilizes blood pressure self-monitoring to empower participants to take ownership of their cardiovascular health. The program incorporates the concepts of remote monitoring, online tracking and recruiting local volunteer health mentors to encourage participants.
Learn more your Coalition can implement
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Share Our Strength founded Cooking Matters on a unique model of collaboration that provides professional-level curricula and instructional materials, training, evaluation and national leadership support while local program partners provide hands-on, grassroots-level resources, program customization and relationships that are best addressed on the local level.
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Already implementing one of these program? Do you have pictures from events that you have recently completed? Share them with us and be featured in the newsletter? Send short paragraph and photo to knoxr@marshall.edu.
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Come see us! We are coming to a county near you!
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Upcoming Gentle Yoga Trainings
Lawrence County, KY
August 29, 2018
Clay County, WV
August 30, 2018
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Upcoming Site Visits
Rutherford County, NC
October 31, 2018
Yancey/Mitchell County, NC
November 1, 2018
Johnson County, TN
November 2, 2018
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Interested in offering Gentle Yoga leader training, Chronic Disease Self Management (CDSMP) or a similar workshop for your coalition members? Contact Shelia Plogger for additional information at splogger@marshall.edu.
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On the Road Again...... Guess where we are?
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Follow us on Face book or Twitter as we highlight the amazing programs and activities that different diabetes coalitions throughout Appalachia are implementing. Correctly name all three and win a prize. Send answers to Regina Knox at knoxr@marshall.edu by the last day in the month.
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Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
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Health Resources and Services Administration programs provide health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable. Looking for research, data or other resources for your community try using the Health Resources and Services Administration's website. Judy Trawick, HRSA public health analyst, wants to talk to you about diabetes prevention and control best practices in your community.
Learn More
Judy Trawick, Public Health Analyst
HRSA/Office of Regional Operations
Office: (404) 562-7980
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Appalachia Fun Facts!
The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountain chain in North America, stretching for 1,500 miles down the eastern portions of Canada and the United States. They are known to be 480 million years old. This mountain range derives its name from the Apalachee – an Indian tribe inhabiting this region. Have a little know fun fact about your town, city or state that you would like to share? Email to knoxr@marshall.edu along with your picture and your fun fact can be featured in the next newsletters!
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Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project
https://livewell.marshall.edu/DMC/
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