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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe an incentive walking program to assist the clients of a community based wellness center to improve their health
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe methods to improve health and decrease health risk factors in a community setting.
Methods: This was a pilot descriptive study assisting clients to identify their weight issues, measure body mass index (BMI), set goals, and develop a plan for healthy eating and exercise in an underserved Hispanic neighborhood. At the initial visit, each client was assessed for diabetic and cardiac risk factors identified through a series of health and behavior related questions, BMI, and waist circumference and encouraged to walk daily and participate in twice weekly walks led by wellness center team members. Weekly weight and average number of steps were calculated.
Results: Each client who encountered the Wellness Center was asked to participate in the 4 week program. Eighty-two clients enrolled and 24 clients completed 4 weeks. The average weight loss was 4.55 pounds or 0.97% of body weight. Initial demographics: 92% Hispanic, average age of participants was 46 years 8 months (range 18-82 years), average weight was 168.08 pounds, average waist circumference was 37.39 inches and BMI was 30.23, average diabetic risk factor score: 8/18 and cardiovascular risk factor score: 1.69/6.The average steps for 4 weeks was 9771.
Conclusion: Providing a community atmosphere of support can increase the wellness of low-income Hispanic clients. Anecdotal comments include, I have found an increase in my energy, an increase in quality of life, sleeping better, stopped smoking, and noticed clothes are fitting looser and differently.