Sharon Denham
- - "I have been working in 4 states in the U.S. (Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Mississippi) and 11 different rural Appalachian counties to prevent type 2 diabetes. This geographic region has the highest obesity and diabetes rate and lowest physical activity rate of the nation. In each county, I am working with coalition groups to reach out into the county to increase knowledge about the disease risks and ways to increase healthy lifestyles. The project aims to help people change lifestyle behaviors, create healthier environments, and develop local policies to improve changes. Every county is different and has its own challenges, much like families do. We are developing Faith Based Health Ministries to reach out further into the communities… The work is slow, but gratifying. Each county has what I have called an county administrative liaison to work with me and the coalition to accomplish goals. This is the middle of year two of the project with 3 1/2 more years to go. The work is challenging, but accomplishments are beginning to happen. One rural county is about to begin a YMCA without walls by hiring a director to develop community programs. Another county has a pharmacy school with students that have to complete 160 community hours before they graduate. We are hoping to develop a wellness program between students and government employees. Five Mississippi churches in one county have all planted church vegetable gardens and have started either walking clubs or exercise groups. An Ohio county just completed what we have called a “sodabriety” challenge with two schools involving many students to give up sugary drinks for 30 days. While I do not get to directly work with families in this project, this work is about families. Finding ways to alter patterned behaviors is a family matter… I keep telling myself, inch by inch… anything is a cinch! The work in building trust and gaining respect was the first step, but it is begin to pay off in small rewards. We need to find ways to connect families and communities. I would so appreciate learning more about what people in other places are doing in community/family […] "View
active 6 days, 17 hours ago
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