Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
The statistics are alarming…one in four Iowans (24.9%) is now in the ‘obese' category, and the rate of ‘overweight' is increasing. Rates in southeastern Iowa counties of Des Moines , Henry, Lee and Van Buren are even higher than the state rate. Not only are there health risks associated with overweight and obesity, but there are also dollar costs for health care. With adult and child overweight/obesity on the rise in Iowa , health and education professionals need to keep up to date on current statistics and trends and better understand the motivating factors for increased weight.

Response:
A coalition of agencies, called SIRCLE (Southeast Iowa Regional Coalition for Lifestyle Enhancement), took on the challenge of providing a forum for sharing information with professionals. Representatives of WIC, Lee County Health Department and ISU Extension formed the conference planning committee which planned and organized the Healthy Lifestyles Conference: Addressing Overweight Issues in Burlington in March 2007.

With the goals to update participants about current health issues regarding obesity and how they affect our health and lifestyle, and to engage participants in learning about effective strategies for providing obesity prevention education, the conference drew more than 100 participants. Speakers included ISU Dr Doug Gentile on the influence of media on weight, ISUE Dr Ruth Litchfield on obesity statistics and MN Dietitian Pam McCarthy on emotions and eating.

Impact:
Overall, the speakers were rated by 98% as effectively conveying their message while providing current information; 96% rated the presentations as being relevant and useful to the participant's professional or personal life.

Quotes from participant evaluations:

• “I think the planning committee did an excellent job with everything – speaker choices, location, food, timeline, etc. This has been a wonderful day and for once I left this conference feeling good and with ideas!”
• “Great Day! Speakers were wonderful and informative. Good location, great food. Just overall a wonderful conference. Thanks for all your work.”
• “It was the best conference I have attended this year – or ever.”
• Participants said they plan to use the information in many ways. Here is a sampling:
• “Apply it – right away!”
• “Provide more emotion based education. Turn off the TV”
• “Improve methods of counseling/working with clients.”
• “Encourage healthier lifestyles with families and children that I work with one on one.”
  

Four Davis County high school students represented their student council as part of their schools' wellness plan. In an article in their local paper, they said they plan to share the information with the student council to promote healthier lunches with more choices and to get students involved and more active.

 

Contacts:
Patricia Steiner
Nutrition and Health Field Specialist
900 Osborn Street, Burlington IA 52601
Phone 319/754-7556
Email psteiner@iastate.edu

Barbara Anderson
Nutrition and Health Field Specialist
101 N Court ST, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2538
Phone 641-682-5491
Email bjanders@iastate.edu