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Priority Area: Obesity

 

Why is this a priority area?  Obesity rates in Indiana are higher than the national average, with rates in most of northeast Indiana above the state average. In Indiana, childhood obesity has been identified as a “staggering” problem with 30 percent of children ages 10 to 17 years of age overweight.

Purpose: Parkview Whitley Hospital will serve as a community leader partnering with other key community organizations to promote a culture of healthy living and well-being.
Goal: The goal of this initiative is to reduce obesity and the chronic diseases that develop as a result in Whitley and Kosciusko counties, while recognizing this will be a long-term effort that will take efforts over a period of years to make a substantial impact.
 
 
Obesity (having a body mass index greater than 30.0) affects all age groups and disproportionately affects people of different socioeconomic statuses and racial/ethnic groups. There are often many complications that can occur as a direct or indirect result of obesity.

Adults 20+ Who Are Obese

Compared to U.S. Counties, Whitley has a value of 28.3% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 28.6% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 33.1%. Compared to U.S. Counties, Whitley has a value of 28.3% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 28.6% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 33.1%.

County: Whitley

(Compared to U.S. Counties)

Community Programs

One Community

One Community is a local not-for-profit that offers free lunches and fellowship, speakers and activities to South Whitley area seniors and shut-ins twice weekly.

Troy Center School Lunches

Troy Center is a local alternative school. The students often come to school without breakfast and brought nothing for their lunch. A child that is hungry has difficulty learning. Providing balanced meals sets up these children for a brighter future physically and emotionally.

Warsaw Little League

The Warsaw (Kosciusko County) Little League was concerned about the lack of nutritional choices for teams after their games. Generally, they received a carbonated sugary beverage and a choice of candy. This dramatically reduces the benefit of the physical activity for the children

Diabetes Education Classes

Are offered to anyone diagnosed with or at risk for developing diabetes. Sessions are offered free of charge nine times per year.

Weight Loss Group

The Parkview Whitley Weight Loss Group is there to help anyone interested in weight management.

Check-up Days

For many years Parkview Whitley Hospital has held an annual health fair that offered discounted labs once per year. The majority of the attendees were interested in the discounted labs far more than the other information and materials that were being provided.

Farmers Market

The Whitley County Farmer’s Market started a program for children in 2016 at their weekly Saturday market. The POP (Power of Produce) program gives registered children a token with a $1 value to be used for fresh produce or a food-based plant each week. Children can save their tokens or use one at a time. The market also has presentations and activities for the children.

The Center

The Center is a non-profit, community-based, youth development organization benefiting Whitley County since 2005. They have after-school programs and meals for local teens. The Center captures many at-risk youth that often fall through the cracks.

Diabetes Prevention Program

The Parkview Warsaw YMCA offers the 12-month group- based program that consists of 16 one-hour, weekly sessions, followed by monthly sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach who facilitates a small group of people with similar goals. The group discusses topics such as healthy eating, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, problem solving and much more.

Other Content Related to Obesity

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Promising Practices  MORE

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