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Obesity

 
 

Diabetes

I CAN Prevent Diabetes

I CAN Prevent Diabetes is a lifestyle change program for people with prediabetes, or high blood sugar. The program is taught by a trained lifestyle coach and offers education and group support in a 16-week course. Goals of the program are to lose 5-7% body weight and increase physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week.

Saint Paul Steps staff completed a diabetes prevention pilot program in spring of 2008 called I CAN Prevent Diabetes (Individuals and Communities Acting Now to Prevent Diabetes). The class was a collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Health, Saint Paul - Ramsey County Department of Health, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation and Open Cities clinic. Based on the success of this pilot as well as others conducted in Rochester and Willmar, I CAN Prevent Diabetes is now being expanded in all four Steps communities in MN. A training was held for new instructors August 4th and 5th, 2008. Saint Paul steps will be offering technical assistance and support for new I CAN Prevent Diabetes classes in St. Paul beginning in late 2008.

Are you at risk for diabetes or prediabetes? Click here to find out.

The CDC estimates that nearly 54 million Americans have prediabetes, many of whom are undiagnosed. In Minnesota, over 1 million people have prediabetes. People with prediabetes are over 2 times more likely to have heart disease or stroke. Individuals with prediabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type-2 diabetes by making simple lifestyle changes. Diet and moderate exercise can bring blood sugar levels back to a normal range. In a large multi-site study called the Diabetes Prevention Program, lifestyle change reduced the risk of diabetes by 58% over 3-years. For more information on prediabetes, click here.
 

Asthma
 

Physical Activity

Pathways to Health 

Free Pedometers

 

Pathways to Health
 
Sidewalk benches can actually promote exercise, health researchers have found.   A new initiative in Ramsey County seeks to build a series of “bench corridors” in local communities. These corridors will provide a "community path to health, one step at a time" and create a physical environment that encourages walking. 
 
Benches will be placed in visibly continuous corridors so people are able to see the next possible resting spot—with the thought that visible continuity will keep people in motion. Benches will be made from recycled plastic and will further promote recycling programs throughout Ramsey County. 
 

Partners in this effort include Active Living Ramsey County, the Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health–Environmental Health Section, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, and the St. Paul Steps project. For more information and applications, see the website: http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/alrc/index.htm

 

  

Free Pedometers

Research shows that pedometer use is associated with an increase of about 2000 steps, or 1 mile, each day. Saint Paul Steps has distributed over 15,000 pedometers since the summer of 2005.


Free pedometers are available to adults at five Saint Paul Public Libraries: Arlington Hills, Dayton’s Bluff, Hayden Heights, Highland Park, and Rondo Community Outreach.

You will be asked to fill out a short (1/2 page) survey and will receive a pedometer kit with the pedometer, instructions for using it, information about setting walking goals, and pedestrian safety information. For library locations and hours, click here.
 

Nutrition

Health Behavior Education Tool

Health Fairs

 

Healthy Behavior Education Tool in six languages

A new video tool for health behavior education with adults is now available in six languages. This DVD and accompanying discussion guide are designed to increase understanding of diabetes, asthma, and exercise and nutrition. Each 20-minute program provides up-to-date information and helpful tips for anyone to enhance their life and improve their health. The DVD and discussion guide are free to residents, community organizations, or worksites. They are also available for check out at the Saint Paul Public Libraries.

For more information on the DVD and discussion guide, email us.

Health Fairs

Saint Paul - Ramsey County Department of Public Health staff members have been presenting information on portion sizes and the amount of sugar in beverages at health fairs around Saint Paul.

On September 10, the Steps to a Healthier Saint Paul Program participated in the Invest Saint Paul/Celebrate a Healthy Heart Program at Fire Station House Number 4 on Payne Avenue. We had two displays - one focusing on the importance of getting more physically active - almost 100 pedometers were given out to adults and teens. JAMA published a study in November of 2007, that indicated the use of pedometers does appear to increase physical activity and resulted in a decrease in body mass index as well as decreased blood pressure. The second display was on creating awareness of how food portions have changed over the years and thus we are taking in a LOT more calories! This included showing pictures of typical portions 20 years ago vs. today on different sized plates as well as looking at the amount of sugar that is in pop and other beverages that we drink. Encouraging folks to read labels will hopefully help them make better food choices.

See if you can guess how portion sizes have changed over the last 20 years with a Portion Distortion quiz!
 

Tobacco Use and Exposure

 
 
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