by Ciara Litchfield
West Virginia University has recently partnered with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in order to help promote healthy lifestyles in a state that isn’t so healthy compared to others.
The program, called Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy, provides funding for 18 organizations in Clay and McDowell counties that increase access to healthy foods and encourages physical activity. The program leaves much of the planning up to the organizations in order for them to decide what serves their community best and what would be most effective in engaging the community.
The project coordinator for the program, Kerry Gabbert said that, “We look forward to seeing the unique ways community organizations in Clay and McDowell counties work to create opportunities for their residents to be more active and make healthier food choices. Each community has its own set of challenges, and our contractual partners have creative, strategic plans to move their communities forward and overcome some of those challenges.”
This program hopes to help reduce obesity rates in a state that currently leads the rest of the United States. Obesity in W.Va. adults stands at 39.5 percent, closely followed by Mississippi, according to a report released by the Trust for America’s Health.
In the counties where this program launched, there aren’t many options for healthy foods. In Clay County, the only grocery store has closed and in McDowell County the only Walmart has left.
Many rural West Virginians don’t live that close to fresh produce and are one of the states least likely to report exercising 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes.
Some factors that contribute to obesity include lack of regular activity and a healthy diet, genetics, illnesses and medication. Food insecurity is also a major contributor to obesity in West Virginia which means that they worry about having enough money to buy healthy meals. When people stress about money, many often chose low cost options such as fast food because they are easily accessible and low cost in comparison to fresh, healthy produce.
They encourage people to follow the program’s Instagram. Their posts provide followers with helpful tips to stay active and healthy recipes that are easy to follow.
Almost Heaven, Almost Hell 