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Where They Live…
With Steps support, the DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department’s Budding Flowers program hosts high-energy aerobics classes and after-school nutrition education for 200 children. The department also offers walking clubs, dance classes and nutrition education for over 100 seniors. Another Steps partner, the Austin Drive Senior Campus, offers popular health and wellness theater productions. After attending these performances, some 50 seniors have returned for exercise and nutrition classes, resulting in a 20 percent increase in attendance in tai chi, strength training and nutrition education sessions.
Where They Work…
DeKalb Steps partnered with Kaiser Permanente and the Board of Health and distributed wellness information to area worksites, including libraries and health centers. Steps also helps DeKalb County school administrators set up worksite programs that address specific needs, requests for support and wellness committee recommendations. Additionally, the Board of Health passed two new worksite wellness policies impacting 500 employees. Over 30,000 DeKalb employees are impacted by the “Diabetes at Work” workshop.
Where They Go to School…
Steps to a Healthier DeKalb and the DeKalb County School System offer fruit and vegetable bars, stations and snacks in elementary, middle and high schools. The daily a la carte bars and stations and the weekly snacks offer convenient, healthy food options for children. This initiative has been extremely successful, providing from 150 to 300 servings every day at each school. Also, at six high schools in south and east DeKalb County, the Mark Trail Athletic Association teaches teens about nutrition, healthy cooking and healthy eating for athletes. The association’s weight management and aerobics programs address youth and adult obesity.
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Where They See A Doctor…
A strong partnership between the fields of medicine and public health is beneficial to community well being. With Steps support, Oakhurst Medical Centers assists individuals who have diabetes. More than 300 residents have been screened, with 130 of them now enrolled in a diabetes management program. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta trains Steps volunteers in how to determine someone’s body mass index, enabling them to conduct screenings around the county. Steps also partners with a local pharmacy to provide patient medications at deeply discounted prices.
Where They Worship…
Steps to a Healthier DeKalb, the Live Healthy DeKalb coalition and their partners offer Health Ministries 101, a workshop that trains ministers and other faith leaders in how to start health-related programs for their congregations. To date, 75 clergy members, county residents and health advocates have participated. In addition, over 400 faith-based partners are engaged in bringing health messages to their congregations and communities. Steps has also developed a nutrition and physical activity tool kit for faith-based communities. Also, through workshops with its partner Spiritual Visions for Wellness Ministries, four faith-based centers are helping their congregations learn about diabetes prevention and care.
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