State and Community Health Media Center | CDC

State and Community Health Media Center | CDC

Wins from the Field: Ideas from CDC-Funded Grantees

Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas Makes Learning Active Residents of Jefferson County, Arkansas, have a shorter life expectancy than the average American, according to 2017 Arkansas County Health Rankings data. In focus groups for the Arkansas Healthy Life initiative, county residents said they wanted to change local cultural norms around healthy living by focusing on young people. Now the community center incorporates physical activity such as yoga and biking as part of regular programs. A “smoothie bike” has been re-engineered to power a blender and create healthy smoothies. The center also offers a bicycle repair space.

Tennessee Coalitions Improve Physical Activity Access for Rural Communities Four Tennessee counties (Haywood, Humphreys, Lake and Lauderdale) had adult obesity prevalence greater than 40% in 2012; the state average was 31%. The University of Tennessee Extension Service worked with local leaders to form Community Coalitions for Change. Together they increased places and opportunities for people to be active. New playground equipment, adult exercise equipment, bike racks, and walking clubs now promote physical activity. As a result, more than 50,000 residents have more opportunities to be physical active in their communities.

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