Just for the Health of It: Home Edition

Summary

Since 2017, Just for the Health of It has served as a lunch and learn series that creatively married fun and education for its participants. When the COVID-19 epidemic reached Georgia, the program was adjusted to an online platform to continue delivering important information to citizens. Clayton County was invited to expand the reach of the program.

Situation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension) are “the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems” in the country. Many chronic diseases are caused by modifiable behaviors, such as lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and lack of weight management. Both Bibb and Clayton counties have poor health rankings in comparison to other counties in the state of Georgia. The elimination of face-to-face programming presented a challenge for offering health and wellness information.

Response

Bibb and Clayton counties united to offer Just for the Health of It: Home Edition. The weekly 1 ½ hour webinars, streamed on Facebook live, taught ways to manage and reduce risk of chronic diseases, as well as offered a cooking demonstration highlighted the topic of the evening. The four-week series shared tips on healthy habits, food safety during COVID-19, and encouraged the reduction of sodium, fat, and sugar. Participants completed a post webinar survey and received the recipes demonstrated in the series. Series topics included: From Breakfast to Dinner, Pantry Roundup, Mom’s Comfort Foods, and Kid’s Culinary Cooking Class

Impact

The four classes offered in May reached over 1,500 viewers. Since the initial postings, Just for the Health of It: Home Edition, has been viewed by over 9,000 people in 16 states. Post evaluation surveys indicate over 90% of participants felt more knowledgeable about the topics. Over 70% of participants planned to use the information provided. Participants free shared how they used the information they learned;  “I tried the burgers they were delicious. My family had no idea it was turkey.”  “I did not realize how much sugar is in our food. I have been reading labels like you said and have switched some of my regular items.”  “I like the recipes and have included more fruits and vegetables to make small changes.”  “I thought about what you said. I started walking and so did my family. We actually enjoy it and love spending time moving, talking and laughing.”  “I had to change our snacks! Now I offer more fruits and healthier snacks. To my surprise they eat it.”

State Issue

Health & Wellness

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: Multi-County
• County: Bibb
• Location: College Station, Athens
• Program Areas:
  • Family and Consumer Sciences