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About Overweight and Obesity
Overweight and obesity in adults are health concerns in Williamson County.
Factors that contribute to becoming overweight or obese include poor nutrition
and lack of physical activity. Nutrition and physical activity recommendations
for adults to be considered healthy are:
Nutrition Recommendations:
- Grains – consume 6 oz. each day
- Vegetables – consume 2 ½ cups each day
- Fruit – consume 2 cups each day
- Milk – consume 3 cups each day
- Meat & Beans – consume 5 ½ oz. each day
- Fats, Sugars, and Salt – limit these
Physical Activity Recommendations:
- To be healthy - at least 30 minutes most days of the week
- To prevent weight gain – 60 minutes a day
- To maintain weight loss – 60-90 minutes a day
Statistics
Based on the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey:
- 63% of adults are overweight or obese
- 47% of adults are not getting enough physical activity daily
- 78% of adults do not meet the recommendation for fruit and vegetable
consumption
Complications
Being overweight or obese can lead to other health complications. These
complications vary by individual but in general include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Poor health status
Health Education Programs
Williamson County & Cities Health District (WCCHD) offers health
education programs through its Living Well and Healthy and Early
Start for Healthy Living sections. Living Well and Healthy
targets adults with diabetes and their families; Early Start for
Healthy Living targets children less than 18 years of age and
their families. All programs are offered in English and Spanish,
are free to the public, and are provided at various locations
throughout the County. Current programs are:
Living Well and Healthy
Early Start for Healthy Living
Diabetes Self-Management Education
Diabetes Self-Management Education teaches adults how to
effectively manage their disease and maintain optimal health.
Classes meet once a week for six weeks and each class is
approximately an hour and a half. Topics covered include:
- What is Diabetes
- Diabetes and Diet
- Managing Blood Glucose
- Diabetes and Exercise
- Tips for Eating Out
- Preventing Complications
Upon completion of the program, participants receive a
certificate stating they have successfully completed the
Diabetes Self-Management Education program. Childcare is not
provided.
View the
Diabetes Self-Management Education brochure.
Please contact the Health Educator for additional information or
to register for a series:
Billye Navarro, LMSW
512-248-3252
1-800-890-6296
Diabetes Support Group
Diabetes Support Group is a program offered to adults with
diabetes.
Classes meet once a month for approximately an hour. Class
topics vary and are guided by the personal needs of
participants. General topics include issues of stress and
depression.
Childcare is not provided.
Please contact the Health Educator for additional information or
to register for a series:
Billye Navarro, LMSW
512-248-3252
1-800-890-6296
Raising Healthy Families
Raising Healthy Families teaches parents and guardians of
children how to engage the entire family in eating healthy foods
and participating in physical activity. Leading healthy
lifestyles reduces the risk of becoming overweight and improves
overall health.
Classes meet once a week for six weeks. Each class is
approximately an hour and a half and includes activities on
nutrition and physical activity. Topics covered include:
- Obesity Prevention
- Reading Food Labels
- Going Grocery Shopping
- Preparing Meals at Home
- Understanding Portion Size vs. Serving Size
- Preparing Healthy Snacks and Meals
- Preparing Healthy Drinks
- Planning for Physical Activity
- Engaging the Entire Family
Upon completion of the program, participants receive a
certificate stating they have successfully completed the Raising
Healthy Families program. Childcare is not provided. However,
WCCHD is developing a children’s program that would be offered
simultaneously.
View the
Raising Healthy Families brochure.
Please contact the Health Educator for additional information or
to register for a series:
Melissa Cole, M.S.
512-248-3252
1-800-890-6296
Parents Helping Parents
Parents Helping Parents teaches parents and guardians the
knowledge and skills needed to develop strong family
relationships.
Classes meet once a week for eight weeks. Each class is
approximately an hour and a half. Classes are relaxed, informal,
and similar to support group sessions. Topics covered include:
- Health and Safety
- Child Development
- Child Guidance
- Family Management
- Personal Growth
Participants are organized into groups based on the age of their
child. Available groups are:
- Parents of Children 0-3 ( Designed for parents age 13-21 only)
- Parents of Children 0-3
- Parents of Children 3-12
- Parents of Children 13-19
Upon completion of the program, participants receive a
certificate stating they have successfully completed the Parents
Helping Parents program. Childcare is not provided. However,
WCCHD is developing a children’s program that would be offered
simultaneously.
View the
Parents Helping Parents brochure.
Please contact the Health Educator for additional information or
to register for a series:
Melissa Cole, M.S.
512-248-3252
1-800-890-6296
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