 |
|
|
|
|
Funding Period:
2003–2008
The Steps Program in Yuma County, Arizona
CDC’s Steps Program funds states, cities, and tribal groups to implement
community-based chronic disease prevention programs to reduce the burden of
obesity, diabetes, and asthma by addressing three related risk factors:
physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. Steps-funded programs
are showing what can be done locally in schools, work sites, communities,
and health care settings to promote healthier lifestyles and help people
make long-lasting and sustainable changes that can reduce their risk for
chronic diseases.
Background
Yuma County covers a large area (5,522 square miles) and has about
175,000 residents in 14 distinct communities. However, the size of the
population fluctuates with the season. Because agriculture is a major
industry, there is a large influx of migrant farm workers during the winter
growing season, beginning in October. At the same time, many retirees arrive
in the area during this season to enjoy the temperate winter climate. There
are two military bases in the county, the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station and
the U.S. Army
Yuma Proving Ground. More than half (56%) of the county’s residents are
Hispanic or Latino, living mostly in the southern part of the county. Yuma
County is also home to the Cocopah and Quechan Tribes. The annual median
income in the county is $35,739, and 19% of residents live below the federal
poverty level (U.S. Census Bureau, 2005 estimates). Many of the county’s
census tracks are designated as Medically Underserved Areas.
Spotlight on Success
- The Yuma County Steps Program successfully piloted the Nutrition and
Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care Centers (NAP SACC)
program throughout the county. Over a 3-year period since its inception
in 2005, this program has been implemented in 32 child care centers and
15 home care provider settings in 5 communities, reaching more than
2,200 children and 345 staff members. The most common nutrition changes
at centers were a reduction in sugary drinks and an increase in
whole-grain foods. Read about this successful initiative in The Steps
Program in Action, available at
www.cdc.gov/steps/success_stories/pdf/yuma.pdf
(PDF- 88KB).
- The Pasos Adelante nutrition and walking club program, initiated by
the Border Health Strategic Initiative, continues to be a highlight of
the Steps program. It is a 12-week program implemented by promotoras
(Spanish-speaking community health workers), and more than 100
participants are recruited annually. Evaluation of the 2006 program
showed significant improvements in participants’ knowledge about
nutrition and physical activity recommendations and the benefits of
physical activity. Participants reported decreases in the consumption of
soda and other sugary drinks, increases in the use of healthier cooking
oils (olive and canola), and a significant increase in time spent walking.
Community Partnerships
Partnerships for the Yuma County Steps Program include the University of
Arizona Cooperative Extension, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, the Yuma County
Public Health Services District, and the Regional Center for Border Health,
Inc. Together, these agencies plan and implement strategies and
interventions that lead to many successful health promotion programs.
Contact
Steps to a HealthierAZ–Yuma County
Yuma County Health Services District
Telephone: 928-317-4580
www.azdhs.gov/phs/cdpc/steps
One or more documents on this Web page are available in Adobe Acrobat® Format
(PDF).
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files on this page.
Page last reviewed: July 31, 2008
Page last modified: July 31, 2008
Content source: Division of Adult and
Community Health, National
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
|
|
