1.) OBESITY
Countless health research studies support the link between obesity and chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. All are leading causes of death nationally and in St. Mary’s County. Diabetes and heart disease rates in St. Mary’s County are above Maryland and national statistics.
According to the survey, approximately 60% of the adults in St. Mary’s County are either overweight or obese. The rate is even higher for males and African American residents. As a result, the Fit and Healthy St. Mary’s Coalition led by St. Mary’s Hospital Health Connections staff, was formed to devise strategies to help citizens overcome barriers and begin to move into a healthier weight category. The Coalition is compiling a list of nutrition, physical activity, health and wellness programs and resources currently available in the county. Additionally, the Coalition is developing ideas for new initiatives to assist with obesity prevention and weight loss.
While 80% of those participating in the telephone survey noted some form of physical activity, this number is elevated due to the presence of military personnel in this area. Among those employed in St. Mary’s County, approximately 67% work in sedentary jobs and, not surprisingly, residents who are overweight or obese are also less likely to engage in regular moderate or vigorous activity.
GOAL: The goal of the Local Health Improvement Process is to increase the number of adults with a Body Mass Index of 24 or below by 5% as reported in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) by 2015.
Outcome Objectives/Measures:
Objective 1: Establish a Fit and Healthy St. Mary’s Coalition by April 2011.
Objective 2: Develop an obesity reduction plan for a Fit and Healthy St. Mary’s Coalition and recruit and orient coalition members by September 2011.
Objective 3: Members of the Fit and Healthy St. Mary’s Coalition will develop an action plan with measurable outcomes around obesity awareness, prevention, and interventions by February 2012. The Coalition will provide quarterly reports to the LHIC beginning November 2011.